Today my challenge didn't waste any time, it came at the crack of dawn!
I had just dropped my brother off at LAX and needed to put on some gas when arriving back in Westlake around 5:30 am. I was (nervously) pumping gas thinking about my sister lecturing on getting gas in the day time light to avoid dark, unsafe situations for a young woman like myself. I was startled when I turned around to wash my back window. There was a younger gentlemen approaching me, "Can you buy me some cigarettes?" he mumbled.
I asked him to repeat, he said, "can you buy me cigarettes? I forgot my i.d.".
With his baggy pants, oversized hooded sweatshirt and Mexican descent, I thought for sure he was about to pull a Glock on me. Yes, I know, how horrible for me to judge him on his looks, anyone whose not white and in a business suit or a John Deere hoodie is a potential gangster. I replied yes to buying cigarettes. Why? Because I thought $7.00 was a cheap way to avoid a stick-up and spare my life. I was mildly suprised when he pulled out money for the cigs. I made small chat with him while I finished filling up the Jeep. I'll admit it, mostly the reason I made small talk was because I thought, "he'll have a harder time killing me if I'm a nice person and talk to him like a normal human being."I learned his name was Angel and he worked down the street as a cashier in a great restaurant.
As I finished up twisting the gas cap back on and he waited nearby, I asked him what kind of cigarettes he wanted as he handed over the cash. I went in and while picking out the most delicious looking huge gourmet muffin and an orange juice, I still contemplated what I would do about the cigarettes.
What if he was lying about the i.d. and he was really only 17?
If I didn't bring out cigarettes, would he pull a knife on me?
Why did I tell him yes right away? It was impulse.
Wait, why am I even questioning this?
The cashier asked if I wanted anything else and I told him, "well, the kid outside wants some cigarettes but I think breakfast would be better for him." The cashier shook his head, smiled about the breakfast then informed me that it's been happening a lot and the fine for buying cigarettes for minors is $1,000. Relieved with my choice, especially after hearing about the fine, I thanked the cashier.
As I walked back out, I told Angel that the cashier saw him hand me the money earlier and that I couldn't buy him the cigs. Then I handed him the bakery bag and orange juice and said "but I still thought you might enjoy breakfast". He couldn't believe it and got this smile on his face, "really?". As I opened my door, I felt I had to encourage him or give him hope some other way. I said "Hey Angel, you should come hang out at Calvary, my church on Sunday." He smiled again and said "yah Calvary, I went there for a while." I went on, "oh really? Yah, you've got a good personality and I think you'd really enjoy it." Angel got this sweet smile and a lil' bashful from the compliment, "really?". I confirmed the compliment and got in the Jeep. That bashful smile will keep me going until I hit the bed tonight.As I drove off and did the final wave to Angel (who was cigarette-less and still had a smile), I thought about how many different ways that situation could've gone.
- I could've said "No, I'm sorry" and turned away.
- I could've bought the cigarettes and let him carry on his day.
- He could've had a gun and shot me.
- He could be working for the police and if I bought the cigarettes, I could've had $1,000 fine.
- I could've bought him breakfast but speak no words of Hope into his future.
I thanked the Lord for the lesson and how everything turned out. I truly believe the Lord set that up in today's plans for me and guided me step-by-step through that situation.
Lesson for my kiddios: Sometimes $2.59 + a compliment (aka HOPE) will go farther than you know. Or maybe not.
