Monday morning, I told Jeanne my plans were to buy a summer suit. She decided to come with me and maybe do a little shopping herself. I thought a Monday would be a good day to shop with not many people.

The first store I went to was one

of my favorites. I greeted three salesmen with a “Good Morning.” Only one replied, “Need anything?” “I’ll just look around,” I answered.

I did that for about 20 minutes and not once did a salesman ask if I needed any help. In fact, there was no attempt from anyone to make a sale.

Being a little aggravated, I told Jeanne, “Let’s go!” and drove to another store. The reception was a little better, and the desire to help was evident. Not seeing anything I liked, we left and grabbed an early lunch.

Being dressed very casual, maybe that influenced the reactions I received. The only positive thing about our shopping outing is that it didn’t cost us anything.

Thursday morning, I decided to go back to the first store I went to on Monday. I told Jeanne that this time, I was going to wear my best suit with a shirt and tie. “Why?” she asked, a little puzzled. “I’m doing an experiment to see if I’ll receive a warmer reception and a little more aggressive salesmanship.  

Sure enough, when I walked in at 10:15 a.m., all the employees greeted me with a “Good Morning” and pleasant smiles. The salesman that helped me was very nice, and I was very specific in what I wanted. I chose a suit; he took the measurements for the alterations and asked when I needed it. “At 2 o’clock today, if possible,” I answered, (joking, of course). He took me serious and said they were backed up for at least two weeks.  

The seamstress heard our conversation and asked, “When do you need it?” “As soon as you can have it ready,” I answered and added, “I know as nice a lady as you are, it won’t take too long.” The salesman came back and said it would be ready Saturday.

The experiment worked as I thought it would.

The Bible says God is not a respecter of persons, but people are. We judge people on their outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.

Monday, I was dressed very casual, and that did not impress anyone. Thursday, I was dressed for success, and that’s what the same people observed.  

Something else God showed me is when you treat people with respect, a kind word, and a good spirit, good things happen. I’m getting my suit Saturday!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.