Today I write to say that although it has been a close race between Johnson and Thune, it seems as though Johnson will win. Yesterday I worked at a phone bank calling people who hadn't voted yet to encourage them to get to the polls before they closed. I have to say that I was discouraged and encouraged at the same time. People who claim to be Republicans were voting for the independent guy on the ticket instead of Thune due to negative ads. I'm sorry but how childish is that? That is the same thing as touching the hot pot on the stove after your mother told you no. Childish spitefulness. Did it do any good? Not really, it only had a bad effect on the election. Sometimes we have to put aside how we feel and choose the lesser evil and protect the better good of our country. Sure it was annoying to see nothing but campaign ads for months, getting phone calls, and hearing them bash each other. But did you show them? I think not.
Today was a so so day, not bad and yet not good. I would like to tell you how it turned into a good day. I was very busy working my tush off catching up on my filing, posting, running deliveries among other things. An average day in the life of Jess. Then at one stop during my 3pm delivery, I notice a man getting out of his truck. He noticed me too. I parked my van and got out. He was ahead of me a few steps and turned to glance back at me. I didn't really think much about it. He reached the door first and instead of going through it he stopped and waited for me to reach the door. I thought this was odd because he had to wait for almost a minute before I got to him. He just smiled and held the door open saying, "I'm the new door holder." I laughed and was a little nervous because I'm really not that good at come backs... not until a few minutes after the fact that is. I just smiled and said thanks. I entered the building and smiled at the receptionist and had her sign for the files. I glanced to my side where this curtious man was standing, only to find him watching me. I left the building feeling strangely light and more than a bit happy. In the van I pondered what happened and realized that this man was a happy one. He passed that on by simple holding a door open like a gentleman and smiling! How simple and yet so touching. Now you may be thinking "It's only a door, Jess" but really stop and think about it. A total stranger impacted me within a matter of a few seconds... and it stuck in my mind for hours. I decided to test this out a little. Instead of walking with my head slightly down and watching my surroundings with a air of distance, I smiled. nodded and said hello to the people I met. The result stunned me. People actually smiled back! Sure some smiled in a way that made me wonder if they thought I escaped from the looney bin but most responded with a smile in return. I wondered how it would impact people if I took a few extra moments to put myself aside (read Phil.2) and served some one else. How? You may ask. Well, perhaps when your driving allowing that person with his turn signal on to enter your lane or inviting the mother struggling with her cart of groceries and two wiggling kids to go ahead of you in line. Anything... It doesn't matter how tiny it may seem to you, it might be just the kind of break that turns their bad day into a good one. Hmm, I think its funny that my Pastor spoke about this yesterday in church and God gave me a delayed object lesson. As my pastor said," you can choose which glasses to put on, the one that asks yourself, how people should serve you and the other that asks God, how can I serve others." Okay, I will step off my soap box but will ask you to try my little test on someone. You might just be changed in the process.
Wow, its been awhile since I've written anything. I'm contemplating saying no to one of my jobs. I'm not for sure yet. This weather is a nice change but I'm not convinced that I'm ready for a full fledged winter yet. So, Rapid City has officially gotten their first snow of the season. It always amazes me that people can forget how to drive in this weather after just four months of nice hot weather. I've witnessed at least three accidents and many acts of stupid driving since its snowed. Hello people! 40 mph in a 25 mph zone is bad enough let alone on icy roads! It has taken me an hour to get to work two days in a row. This is why I don't like winter weather. I detest driving it the stuff. Oh well. Thats the price for living in South Dakota.
I have a story that has made me completely furious with our leadership in town. On Monday I went to the City Counsil meeting to show support for an ordinance that would put certain restrictions to "adult" stores and businesses. I actually found the meeting to be very interesting learning how decisions are made for our town. After an hour of going through some really boring stuff, I was ready for our cause to come up. First the Mayor gave the floor to the audience members who had submitted a form to speak. At this time 20 or so people came forward to state their opinions about how they support and desire this particular ordinance to go through. The speakers varied from parents to clergy to medical staff to actual victims from this sort of immoral actions; all maked perfect cases against these establishments. Only one person came forward to stand up for the "adult" businesses and that was because he was their lawyer( and he was paid to be there)! On top of that he stated that he had never been in a store like that. (I wondered if his business was so poor that he felt he had no choice but to represent these people or if he really didn't think he would mind looking at himself in mirror every day knowing he defended an immoral establishment). Anyway, my point is that only one person came forward for these businesses. Of course, no one would come up and state their side... they know its wrong! After the audience finished speaking the counsil members voted. Only 4 voted for the ordinance and six against. I took note of exactly who said no. It floored me that out of ten members who are suppose to make major decisions for our community six went against what the people obviously wanted. I left saddened, disappointed and more than a little indignant. The counsil did eventually pass this ordinance but only after quite a few changes were made to the original submission. I applaud the four that stood by their morals and listened to the people. They made the right choice. I guarantee that I will support these men when it comes time for their re-election. What a sick world we live in.Thank God we can look forward to something a million times better!