Thank you Jesus?

So I relayed this story to my mom today, and she suggested I post it on my blog because she thought it was a very funny story. I think it may be a "you had to be there story," but I'll give it a try.

So I was working on getting my dad's birthday present earlier this week. He wanted a chromatic harmonica, so I wandered into a local music store to find this instrument. With a limited knowledge of harmonicas, and having my three year old in tow, I was in a hurry to get what I needed and go. A very nice young man, Mike, helped me find one in my price range, and off I went. Unfortunately, two days later when I went to find a "how-to" book to go with it, I discovered that Mike hadn't helped me find a chromatic harmonica, but rather a regular 10 hole harmonica. So back to the local music store I went, sure that I'd have a difficult time exchanging the harmonica because it is strictly against regulations to return such an item, due to "hygiene" issues (understandably, I might add). The thing is, the harmonica I bought had not been near anyone's mouth, and I was sold the wrong kind of harmonica to begin with.

So here I am, in the middle of a crowded afternoon at this music store, praying the whole time that they'd make some exception and let me return it. Praying and praying (I do this often when I'm stressed over something... especially when I think I had something to do with the mistake). I track down the nice young man, Mike, who had previously helped me, reminded him who I was, and could tell from the look on his face that he remembered me.

I went through my spiel, telling him that I had just made the discovery that he sold me the wrong kind of harmonica, and that I promised it hadn't been used. He went through the list of why he just couldn't take it back, and then proceeded to tell me that as soon as I walked out the door he realized his mistake and that I had indeed asked for a chromatic harmonica.

He told me that he couldn't return the one I had, but he could sell me the cheapest chromatic harmonica at cost ($85, normally $110). I just about choked, not ready to dish out that sort of money on a harmonica. I politely said, "Isn't there someone else we can talk with about this,... especially since this was not the harmonica I had asked for?" With a nod and a shrug, Mike turns to talk with a fellow sales person (perhaps an assistant manager?), who then calls over a third. The three consult for a minute, and finally the third guy steps forward and asks me at least five times if I can confirm that the harmonica hadn't been used.

When my fifth honest answer was enough for him, he said, "Okay, do the return." Mike nods and mumbles something I can't understand, but seems to say something about Jesus. (I wonder for a moment, "Is he upset? -- perhaps muttering swear words?") Then, he proceeds with the transaction, says something else to the guy who just approved it, and the young man helping me says, "Thank you Jesus." --The exact words I'm thinking in my head. I nearly add an agreement to him, and then realize that the third sales person who approved my return was actually named Jesus! No, not pronounced "Hey-zeus" (as one would assume), but "Gee-sus".

Yes, the "Jesus" of the music store was indeed extending me grace that day! --Hope this story at least gave you a smile! :)