The inappropriate language and dress, faces
buried in a phone or ears plugged with earphones. Do they notice or even care
for the people walking around them?
I recently learned the answer, as I stood
in line at the local market. Although my
mind had recently been filled with stories and first-hand accounts of “children”
using obscene language, being disrespectful, stealing, lying, alcohol abuse and
even striking an adult, I felt a renewed spirit in me while standing in that
store.
In front of me, at the local market, was an
elderly lady using what seemed to be a food benefits card. What
caught my attention was not the card, but the young lady behind the
counter. The elderly lady had apparently
purchased some items not covered by the card and had to reach in her wallet for
additional money. I could see the
embarrassment on her face, or maybe I was misjudging and it was sheer
frustration. Whichever the case, the
sweet young lady was being very patient.
She then was joined by a kind young man saying “It’s ok mam, just press
that button and I can get that for you”!
My recollection of all the negativity of
last few days seemed to vanish in that moment. My renewed spirit spurted our,
“what a blessing you two are and that is why we love our community and shopping
local”, to which the elderly lady replied, I agree these young people have to
keep us old people straight!”
So, behind what seems to be all that is
wrong is a beautiful piece of art, perfectly shaped by a master workman and yes there is still respect going on!
