Tuesday was Monica’s birthday. Monday, during lunch, I went to the Yankee Candle store to buy gift for her birthday. Typically I’m a little standoff-ish to sales people in the mall shops especially when I know that he or she works for commissions.

But Monday, I walk into the shop on this day with the same attitude and the salesman asks if he can help me in anyway. I give a quick—but polite “no”. This salesman gets the picture and allows me some space and I begin to take a moment to look around. I get comfortable and into my “shopping zone” and begin to look at specific items when he approaches behind me and begins to talk to me about the lamp shade I’m looking at. He doesn’t discourage me, but he explains that it doesn’t really “do” anything—but look pretty. I don’t want pretty—even though it is for my wife—sometimes I just do get it. I wanted something functional.

Then he began to tell me benefits of the candle topper. He tells me how he has not worked there very long and it was very eye-opening when he learned how much little topper did the candle. As he talked, he explained some of the interesting things, how it protects the jar from discoloration, how it makes the candle last longer and makes the candle look prettier. Pretty and functional; I was convinced.

So asked the question, I never asked; “Okay what else do you have?”

By the end of the end of the visit, I picked up a candle topper, candle scissors, a lighter, and, of course, a candle itself; ALL because he had the right approach to anticipate my question and provide an answer.

We could meet so many needs in the lives of people if we simply stopped and considerately anticipate those needs—what a wonderful way to conduct ministry.

{ 0 comments }