I love fresh watermelon and cantaloupe during the summer months. So on my way home from church today I just had to make a quick trip to the grocery store in hopes of finding just that…which I did, along with a bag of grapes and a few other items. I then darted to the Express check-out lane, ready to hurry home and “dig in”. 

As I stood in line, I noticed the young lady at the register, laughing and trying in vain to bring a smile to the rather serious face of the lady checking out in front of me.  Unfortunately the young lady’s attempts seemed to fall on deaf ears as the customer quickly took her bags, very straight faced, and hurried out the door.  Then the young lady (Shirley, as announced by her name tag) looked to me with a smile and a chuckle. I found her to be refreshingly friendly, and just naturally returned her smile with one of my own.  This opened the door for some friendly conversation as she scanned my items.

I commented to her that I appreciated her smile and happy attitude as she worked, having no idea what lay hidden underneath her cheerfulness.  My comment then opened the door for even more in depth conversation.  She proceeded to tell me that she tries to enjoy life to its fullest, even though she has battled cancer and is still being treated for a brain tumor. She beamed as she told me that her most recent medical tests had been encouraging as the tumor had not increased in size. She smiled and seemed to just sort of bounce around as she talked and worked.  I told her that she was an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many others with such a positive attitude. She grinned from ear to ear as she said that was her goal in life. As I promised to pray for her, she smiled even brighter and said she would take all the prayers she could get!

I must say that I needed this encounter with Shirley today. She caused me to stop and remember how very precious life is.  It can still be enjoyed and lived to the fullest, even when life’s circumstances don’t seem to be pointing in that direction. As she told me today, it’s all in the choice…the choice of happiness.