BY GREG MILLER
Georgia and her husband Grant thoroughly loved the small community in which they lived.
Georgia made a steady income by watching several of the neighborhood’s pre-school children, while their parents worked at a factory in a nearby community. Grant was a successful businessman, who owned a barbershop and a small supermarket.
Grant was determined to earn enough money to take care of his family, but he had promised himself to never overcharge for haircuts or groceries. Due to his honesty, Grant had been blessed by the Sovereign Lord with great success, and customers even visited his supermarket and barbershop from nearby counties.
Grant specialized in low prices and quality merchandise. He had promised both the Lord and himself that he would always provide the best service to his customers. The customers came to love and appreciate his friendly smile and positive attitude.
Georgia loved to spend time with her husband, and she enjoyed working as a part-time cashier at the supermarket. Like Grant, Georgia had an infectious smile, which the customers greatly appreciated.
Giselle visited the supermarket about three times each week to purchase fresh meat for dinner for her and her husband, Gary. “The beef in your meat department is the juiciest in town!” Giselle bragged. “And so tender!”
“Thanks very much,” said Grant.
“Yes, thanks a lot,” said Georgia, flashing a friendly smile.
Next in line, Graham placed his items on the conveyor belt and waited for Georgia to ring up his total. “I really enjoy shopping here,” said Graham. “The meat department has the tastiest beef of any store in the county. All of my friends shop here, too. We’re always talking about your high-quality merchandise in all of the store’s departments.”
“And about those smiles that everyone comes in here to see,” said Graham’s wife, Gabrielle. “I’m glad your smiles are free, because they mean the world to your customers.”
“Thanks, you’re very kind,” grinned Georgia. “You know the Bible tells us in the first part of Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…’ And I believe a happy, cheerful smile is a very good proof that I have a merry heart.”
Graham felt he needed to mention his experience at the barbershop. “Ever since I started getting you to cut my hair a few months ago, Gabrielle has been telling me how good I look. So I’ve been telling her, ‘Not only am I looking better because of my haircuts, but I’ve also become a novice stand-up comedian because now I’m a getting to be a real cutup!”
(To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements (in the U.S.A.), including Christian Comedy Fundraising Outreaches, Christian Creativity Seminars and/or puppet ministry, please type “Speaking Engagements” in the subject line and e-mail raysofson@gmail.com or kidcool4jesus@yahoo.com)