Now that warmer weather is here, we have been visiting the local hardware stores to buy some flowers for our garden.

Since I spent many years teaching all types of organizations good communication skills, I am aware of customer service efforts in every business I visit.

Two chain stores in our area compete for everyone’s business, but only one really provides service.

“Hello! Do you have any questions?” The man asked.

I was momentarily stunned by his approach as I entered the store.

“Well, no. Not right now,” I replied.

Then as I walked through the store I must have been asked four times if I needed help.

The other store offers little assistance. I’ve actually wandered through the store in search of a clerk to discover a number of people waiting for him, too.

Which one do you think I shop most?

The one with the answers.

But, I also discovered that for some people that extra attention is annoying.

“If I have a question I’ll ask.”

“If I need help I’ll go find it.”

“I know what I want so don’t bother me.”

Okay, so what’s my point in sharing this?

If God were a hardware store which one would He be?

I believe it would be the one with all the help.

When you are facing challenges in your life, listen carefully. You can hear a voice asking “Any questions?”

“Can I help you?”

Oh, maybe not His voice, but all along your journey through it, He sends His customer service people. Believers.

You may not recognize them. There’s no uniform or name tag.

Still, they are there.

Even so, there are those who are annoyed by an out stretched hand, an offer of help. They are the ones who will “ask if they need to”, “go find it themselves,” or “know what they want, so don’t bother them.”

One of God’s customers will take time to acknowledge His help by saying thanks.

The other customer will complain because he didn’t get help but it was there all along.

Heaven Depot is always open.

“Do you have any questions?”

Bob Perks 2believe@comcast.net