Probably eight or so years ago the Queen and I were on our way to Portugal flying out of JFK in New York.
We had a question about our flight and stood in line between two other people at the check-in line. It was obvious the 'checker' was having a bad day or maybe she was this way all the time. She was nasty to the people in front of us and I didn't want to go through the ordeal of being nice when I don't want to be so I devised a plan. As we got to the counter I could see a scowl on her face. At this point I said, "My you have beautiful hands.". A smile came across her face and we were in like Flint.
Two days ago I went to Walgreens. I was hoping to find some cheap cereal with low carbs and low sugar. I'm not too smart. This is impossible. Anyway, there was a young girl behind the counter and I was walking out without a purchase so I felt the need to say something. Are you ready? I told her she had beautiful eyes. Her face lit up and I knew she smiled because her mask spread from right left. I have to tell you I didn't actually think her eyes were beautiful. The lashes looked like they'd been put on with a paint brush. That's not my style. In college I once told a girl who I asked on a date, "I'll make you a deal. I promise I won't wear make-up if you promise to do the same." I'm one of those guys who actually wants to know what he's getting. But I did the right thing with the counter girl and she'll remember me in a good way the next time I go in.
This leads me to the point. I'm going to, in these days of anger and turmoil, pay compliments to strangers.
It's quite easy to do if one thinks about it. Go to Kroger's and walk down the aisle. Tell folks how much you like their dress or say, "Those are cool looking glass." I'm sure God doesn't care as long as you can make someone's life better even for an hour or two.
