Waves produce happiness. Wherever you go, wave at people and smile. Then watch joy spread in waves.
I grew up shy and a loner. I felt awkward and didn’t know how to connect with people. I didn’t think people liked me because I didn’t particularly like myself.
Then as a young adult I did something that I never thought I could do. I sold books door-to-door for three summers while I was in college. The first summer I sold dictionaries and children’s books. The last two summers I sold “Ebony’s Pictorial History of Black America.”
Each summer I went through a week of training in Nashville before I was sent to another city to work. My first summer was mainly spent in Austin, Texas. Knocking on people’s doors terrified me. Some mornings it would take me hours to get the courage to walk up to a door and knock because I would drive around looking for the best house to approach.
Often, I would sit in my hot car with the windows up until I was so miserable that I finally got the courage to get out and walk up to a door. Then while on a front porch I would panic, rush back to my car, and drive around some more.
The first summer it took me three days to finally sell the first book. I think someone felt sorry for me and cared enough to listen. That sale gave me the money to keep going but every day my fear-filled heart and sweaty palms made life harder than I can describe. After completing my first summer I had made up my mind not to do it again, but when I got to Nashville my sales manager talked me into signing a contract for the next summer. I immediately regretted doing that.
Shortly before I had left the first time to sell books; I had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Then I started regularly attending a meeting of a group of excited Christ-followers. Although, I hadn’t personally gotten to know any of them, when I returned from book selling, I began getting to know them. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was a part of a group of friends. Jesus was our focus and we truly loved and encouraged one another.
I’ve always been a person who tries to do my best to keep my commitments. So, when the time came to leave for book selling again, I dutifully packed up, went to Nashville for a week, and then to Columbus, Georgia for three months to sell Black history books.
The second summer I had a mission–to talk to people about Jesus and to pray with them. I carried a New Testament in my back pocket. It was still a very difficult summer. When I was afraid to knock on a door, I would find a quiet place to read my Bible, and courage would rise up in me.
Also, that summer in Columbus, Georgia, people were much friendlier to me. Instead of being mean or rude when I would knock on their door, they would be kind to me. They would often yell for me to come on in before they even knew who was at their door.
In spite of the fact that racial turmoil and riots were happening in Black neighborhoods across the city, as a white boy I was receiving warmhearted welcomes into Black homes. Little by little the kindness of strangers made me feel accepted and loved. I still had to battle the fear of rejection, but for some reason, I never feared violence–even when Black Panther members invited me into their home. They were always nice to me and several times they even bought my books.
As I walked up and down the streets, sometimes I would pass a burned-out store still reeking with the heavy smell of smoke. Still, I would warmly wave at people, greet them, and smile. They would almost always return my friendliness.
Once when I was feeling greatly discouraged, a large woman walked from behind a house singing the song, “Where Could I Go but to the Lord.” I began to sing with her. Soon we were holding hands and praying together. My spirit soared like an eagle. Even now when I think about that moment, I am filled with hope and encouragement.
That summer I discovered that kindness is contagious–that warmhearted waves produce happiness. Try it and see. Wherever you go today, wave at people and sincerely smile. Then watch joy spread in waves.
Many people whose door I knocked on had a picture of Jesus hanging in their living room. I would tell them I liked their picture. A few would respond with a so-so thanks. Many, however, would excitedly respond with: “That’s my Savior!”
Then I would put down the book that I was showing them and tell them I love Jesus, too. The next thing I knew, we would be sharing with each other about how Jesus changed our life. I would forget all about book selling and instead enjoy getting to know an amazing brother or sister in Christ. Before I left, we would pray together. Sometimes they would even invite me to stay for a meal.
My last summer selling Black history books I was in Burlington, North Carolina. Although I would still sometimes struggle to get the courage to knock on a door, I had many amazing experiences of love and acceptance from wonderful people I had been taught to avoid.
Selling books taught me to be friendly and kind to all people regardless of their attitude toward me–regardless of their race, ethnicity, political views, religious beliefs, or lifestyle–even if we disagree with each other. Although deep inside, I’m still a shy person, my love for Christ and for all people propels me to kindly wave, smile, and or greet everyone I meet.
All the best to you, dear reader! Although we probably have never met, I appreciate you taking the time to explore my writing.
