On Thanksgiving night, John and I were finishing up some decorations so I decided that I would head over to Wal-Mart just to browse around and see what kind of Black Friday deals they had on sale. Okay, I was being more nosy than anything, but I figured it was 10:00pm and all the “serious” shoppers would be gone since the doors opened at 8:00pm.
As I pulled into Wal-Mart parking lot, I was amazed at the hundreds of cars circling for a space. Luckily, one opened up right as I pulled in so I lingered into the store. I couldn’t figure out why all of these people were running aimlessly through the store. Unbeknownst to me, there was also a 10:00pm sale! What? I would never have entered the chaos if I had only known. I guess when you don’t watch TV or read the newspaper, you miss out on those types of things!
I figured that since I was there, I would just head the opposite direction of the crowd. Everyone but me seemed to be swarming the electronics department for TVs, DVD players, etc. What I noticed was that I had absolutely no problem shopping for and taking advantage of some really great sales on business equipment, home improvement/cleaning items and sporting goods.
I literally stood amazed as I witnessed one of John Di Lemme’s teachings come to life right before my eyes. Black Friday is the true portrait of America! No one was interested in the unbelievable deals that could promote business, better living conditions or help you to be in the best physical shape possible. Instead, they were fighting over electronics and other things that have no bearing whatsoever on their level of success in life. To be blunt, the things that were piled in two or three carts per person promote laziness instead of actual productivity that will enable us to achieve our goals and dreams.
I continued to people watch as I wandered around the store and looked into the eyes of what seemed to be some of the most miserable people in the world. Didn’t they just celebrate Thanksgiving and being thankful for their blessings in life? Clearly, I was completely out of my element and wanted to get out of the store as quick as possible. I simply couldn’t stand it anymore! Do these people know that we are the most blessed nation in the world? Why are they so unhappy and fighting over things that will only hinder their success in life?
Like I said, it was time for me to go. God must have been watching over me, because he sent a Wal-Mart angel to open up her register so I didn’t even have to wait. Okay, maybe she wasn’t an actual Wal-Mart angel, but she definitely was for me that night. They had extra security at the door since there’s so much theft on Black Friday (don’t even get me started on that one) so I was delayed a few minutes but I was finally on my way home and away from the madness.
So, what’s the point of all of this? It’s time to become more aware of what’s really important in life, take advantage of the opportunities that surround us, give to others instead of constantly take for ourselves, and realize that we live in the most blessed nation on Earth. We are Americans not animals so let’s start acting like it!
Christie Di Lemme
*Photo courtesy of Orisue
