Thursday, March 13, 2008

How Will They Know?

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Tonight I had an appointment to get my hair cut and highlighted. I've been going to the same place for almost 2 years and this was the third time that this woman was going to cut my hair. (I actually go to a school so I get a new student every couple of times. For the record, I have never gotten a bad haircut and always look like I pay more than I do!) After a consultation on the color that would be used and the method of highlighting it was time to get down to business. The instructor grabbed a cape and secured it. Then it was decided that it would be best to use a different cape and the first one was removed and the instructor and student took off in search of another one. I just seat there people watching (it's an interesting place). When they returned a shocking discovery was made. The first cape that was used even though it had been pulled from the clean pile had black hair dye all down the inside. As I looked down at my purple shirt there was dye everywhere. I even managed to get it on my hands.

I had two options. I could get made or I could just go with the flow. Honestly, it didn't cross my mind to get mad. It's just a shirt. In the great scheme of things, it isn't a big deal.

Of course they were mortified and I feared they were going to undress me to try and remove the dye. They didn't and the apologies continued. I explained that it wasn't a big deal and that I knew it was an accident. I was also able to share my faith in a very direct manner to the student. I'm sure those around also heard.

Jesus said that people would recognize us as His because of our love. Paul then explains that love is patient, love is kind, love isn't rude, it isn't easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. I pray that my actions and my words tonight were honoring to God and others saw Him in me. I've heard it said that as Christians we are Jesus with skin on and that sometimes we are the only Jesus some people ever see. I pray I made Him proud tonight because I also fail at times in this exact same area. (Yep, that's right...I am so not perfect and often fail to show love, fail to be patient, fail to not keep a record of those who have offended me, and fail at not getting angry!)

I need your help in deciding my next step. They insisted that they replace my shirt. I am suppose to go buy an equivalent (it is a couple of years old) and then give them my receipt. What do you think I should do? Should I take them up on there offer? Should I forget about it?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

oooh, ethics 101...good question! First, I'm proud of your in your situation. Given that it was a PURPLE shirt, I can't say that I would have been as lovingly calm. :o) [Note to self: wear yellow when getting hair cut.]

If you take the teaching literally, you would NOT buy a shirt, but rather offer THEM your coat as well. :o) I'm just playing with you.

I really don't know what I'd do, but guessing, I'd probably not go back. That's what I chose when a certain drycleaners ripped a whole in a brand-new unworn dress I dropped off to be clean. Then again, they didn't offer to pay for it or have it fixed, so I simply stopped going there.

Whew. Long comment. Sorry.

Jane said...

mlm- Sorry, but I wasn't wearing a coat. ;)

I've been thinking about it some more, and I still haven't decided what to do. I have decided that I am going to try to get the stain out as I have found some interesting techniques online.

I can also tell that I will go back again- March 15th to be exact. Several reasons involved...I mean I can't get everything done for that price anywhere else.

Meems said...

Jane, First of all my applause for your response in an otherwise irritating and frustrating string of circumstance. I have a few thoughts. (Imagine that) First of all it was clearly a mistake. From the way I understand the story, no one intentionally caused you harm so it is good you didn't get upset since there was really no one to blame. Things happen like this that are unpredictable and for the most part unavoidable.

That said and understood and all apologies made ... I would more than likely take them up on their offer if the shirt is worth it to you. Everyone comes out even in this scenario IMHO. They make recompense, you get a shirt back.

In the end of course you have to have peace in your heart about what you decide to do AND God will give you peace as you ask for his guidance.

Jane said...

Meems- Thanks for the advice. My mom technically bought me the shirt and she said something similar. She also reminded me that it was on sale. Kudos for her memory since it has been a year or two.