Credit Where Credit is Due

Kindness = the two-way gift

There is a small marketplace in my neighborhood that is too expensive for my budget, but I do go there sometimes when I feel the need to give myself a treat. I splurge on mixed Greek olives, honey goat cheese, steak and ale pie, dates in wooden boxes. The last time I was in there, I added a packet of two tiny pear tarts to my basket. There was no price on them. The check out clerk was a very tall, very large man with a huge smile. Our conversation went something like this:

“How’s your day going so far?”

“I am having a great day. Thanks for asking!“ he said.

“How come it’s so great?”

“I love my job.”

“You’re a lucky man. Hey, um, could you check the price on those tarts please, before you ring them up?”

“Looks like they are $7.”

“$7? Yikes! Sorry, I’ll put them back. Too expensive for me.”

“They are really, r-e-a-l-l-y good ….”

“Oh, I am sure they are. Maybe next time.”

“Would you like to have them for free?”

“What?”

“How about I just put them in your bag.”

“You’re kidding! Wow!”

“They’re all yours. I have a little wiggle room. Just don’t tell anyone.”

“That is such a kind thing to do. You’ve made my whole week. Thank you!”

“Come see us again. And enjoy the tarts!”

I don’t know which one of us ended that transaction feeling more fortunate, but let’s be extra kind to servers and clerks and cashiers this holiday season. They have a stressful job. They’re good people trying to get by just like you and me, and we don’t know what is going on in their lives. Ask them how their day is going. Compliment them on something. Give their spirits a lift. Consider it a little gift - both for them and for you. I promise it will improve their day — and yours.

And, speaking of gifts - you could use a brief well-deserved break from all the darkness, anger and violence in the world today, couldn’t you? I invite you to pause here just for six minutes to hear two tiny tales from the inimitable story-teller, Neal Foard who reminds us of the good around us in the world.

**Click THREE times on the little red and white arrow