Sold!

Today I was walking through the mall when I passed by a cart and was stopped by a salesman asking if I wanted a sample. Now usually, I walk right by these people barely saying, "No thank you." Today, however, the spirit moved me to stop.

"What is it?" I asked, peering into the plastic cup.

"It's lotion," he said, immediately noticing my involuntary eye roll. "But wait, I want to show you something else. Come here."

I don't know why, but I followed him and chatted with him while he buffed my nails to a perfect, natural shine. "These products are all from the Dead Sea," he informed me.

"Wow. I've always wanted to go there. I'd love to see the Holy Land someday."

"Oh my gosh," he gushed, "you are welcome any time. I am from Israel. I'm Jewish," he said showing me the Star of David around his neck.

When I explained to him that I am Catholic and that my brother was in seminary when he floated in the Dead Sea, he was enthralled. "I've not met many Catholics."

We continued a really nice conversation as he gave my hands a spa treatment. Then he started his pitch, explaining that he just happened to be having a sale today. I explained we were building a house and funds were tight, but he was not deterred. Maybe I would ask for a set for Christmas I told him sincerely.

Over the next few minutes we continued to talk nonstop while he showed me sales records and gave me another treatment to try. "Do you mind if I ask how old you are? You look fantastic." When I told him he went on and on about how well I kept myself. "You really need to come to my country. You would be a model there. All the women have dark eyes, skin and hair, but your light skin, blue eyes and red hair...oh, I just love this hair... you would be a sensation!" He was even more incredulous when I told him I was expecting child number four.

I told him that he was a fantastic salesman and I can spot a good one since I’m married to one. He told me to come back any time, gave me a big hug and extended the invitation to visit his country one more time.

I walked away glowing I'm sure and so were my nails. It was just five minutes or so but it was so much fun.

Did he make the sale? Are you kidding? If someone said all those things to you in the throws of an awful pregnancy in the middle of the day when you were exhausted and starving, wouldn't you have bought whatever he was selling?

Yea, I walked away with a bag in hand but what I really paid for was the joy he put in my heart.