I was at the store today. After the snow over the weekend, the local kids had been released from that horrible drudgery that is school. Apparently, visiting Walmart continues to rank at the top of the list of "Things Smalltown Kids Do When Bored," just like it did when I was a teenager. All I can say on that subject is, I hope I wasn't as annoying a teen as some of the ones I crossed paths with today! Maybe the list is the only thing that stayed the same...we'll hold that thought.
While I was waiting to check out, glancing over magazine racks full of glossy, smiling faces, one of the shift supervisors came by and asked that I be the last customer in line so that the cashier could have her break. Could I place the "LANE CLOSED" sign on the counter and ask others to find a different line? Sure, I could. (I was just thankful she hadn't asked me to find another line myself).
So I continued moving through the line by inches, never needing to warn anyone off. The teens were only there to see and be seen, after all, and who has spending money anymore? Everything was fine until an older man with a cart piled full of groceries got in line behind me.
"Um, Sir, this is the end of the line...she needs a break."
He looked from me to the sign and back again, shuffling closer."Oh...well, she can take me," he said and glanced to her, "can't you?"
The cashier sighed quietly and nodded. "Sure, I can take you, sir," she answered. She turned to continue sweeping groceries across the scanner and I noticed her downturned expression. I smiled at her and murmured, "you're too nice."
She glanced at the old man shifting his groceries onto the belt and shook her head. "I've heard it doesn't take much effort to be kind to someone, but it takes a lot to be mean," she said. "And if it comes back to me someday, great. But I'll still try to be nice."
What a great way to look at the world...it only takes a little effort. And with her effort in answering me thoughtfully, she's passed on that kindness to me as well. Whether it's karma, positive thinking, or the Big Guy taking notice, I hope her kindnesses return to her a hundredfold. After all, it would only take a little effort...
11 comments:
Oh wow, what a neat girl! And she's right too, it doesn't take THAT much effort to be kind, more people just don't choose to do it. Thanks for sharing this story.
Well, as they say...Karma's a bitch and I've definitely been an unwilling victim ofhers (although I totally brought it on myself). Reminds me of that commercial where someone sees an act of kindness and "pays it forward." until at the end, it has come full circle. Not such a stretch of the imagination is it? Thanks for posting, Rebecca...a wonderful thought to fall asleep on.
I love this. I think partly because we don't expect it. We've gotten to a point where we almost expect people to behave rudely and with impatience. I'm with you...I hope kindness is returned to her many times over. Yesterday an older man and I were trying to get thru a narrow aisle at the same moment and he bowed and said, beauty before age. It made me smile. It doesn't really take a lot to add a small kindness to someones day. Thanks for the reminder.
That is a great quote. Crazy finding so much wisdom at WalMart...!
what a sweet post! and how true are her words?! i try to remember that (even when i'm threatening to rip people's beating hearts out and eat them... ahem.) because i've always believed you get back what you give. thanks for the reminder!
I linked to your post on my blog today...hope that's okay!
Mandi, I agree...it's just the choice that's the effort most of the time.
Allyson, I love pay-it-forward things! It's always so great to see how each person's day is made better by receiving and giving kindness. :)
Joyce, it's sad that we don't expect it anymore, isn't it? I think we could learn a lot from the older generation. What a sweet man! And thanks for linking me!
Annie, it just goes to show you can always find things at Walmart, right?
Sarah, um...rip their hearts with kindness? lol! ;)
Walmart has some great stories...
Especially that particular Walmart.
Good for her, and good for you for sharing her kindness with us.
I remember what it was like to work as a grocery store cashier. But it is true you know. Kindness goes a longer way then bitterness. And maybe that guy will think about the kindness shown to him and pay it forward.
It's not always easy though, that is for sure.
You've got a little bloggy love...c'mon over. ;D
Great story and what a nice cashier! :)
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