Jesus in the bathroom

Canton, Texas claims to be the world's largest flea market.  Believe me people, it's true.  You can find everything from estate sale junk to live turkeys in a bag (yes, I said LIVE) to actual treasures and great deals.  Yes, Canton really does have it all.

Yesterday some friends and I made the hour and something trip.  Armed with cash, sunscreen and an adventurous spirit, we set off early to claim our treasures.

Of everything we experienced, tasted and laughed about, its something rather odd that sticks out in my mind.  The friends were great, the corn dogs, fried pickles and ice cold Dr. Pepper were amazing (yes, I ate all that and loved every stinking bite!) and I did come home with some pretty cute stuff, but that's not what struck me the most.  No, it was a trip to the bathroom that stands out among yesterday's memories as amazing.

Let me set the stage by saying it was hot in Canton yesterday.  We're talking 95 and humid hot.  On one particular potty stop, we were greeted in the restroom by the paid attendant.  This lady smiled continuously as she directed traffic through the large facility, held doors for people, showed ladies how to use the paper towel dispenser and told everyone she saw to "please have a nice day". Not the "how many more times do I have to say that until my shift is over" sort of greeting. No, I could tell she really hoped you had a nice day...she meant it. 

As I sit here writing, I'm wondering what sort of attitude I would have if I were a restroom attendant on a hot day at the world's largest flea market....ummm, probably not so good.  Happy restroom attendant lady was living out the truth of Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

I don't know if this lady knows Jesus, but my guess is she does.  She was using her small piece of real estate to impact as many hot, tired, deal seeking travelers as possible.  She was using her gift of encouragement in unlikely surroundings and she made a difference.

LORD, let my light so shine that others may see you...even in the bathroom.