An Early Christmas Gift

I’m sure like me, you can become impatient when standing in a queue. However, on one occasion recently, it taught me a valuable lesson. I was standing in a queue to return an item in a hardware store. The lady at the checkout was busy dealing with a young family, and another staff member was busy chatting with the little girl in the buggy. I stood for a few minutes and could feel my irritation rise at the staff member who clearly thought the little girl was more important than dealing with other customers.

I waited, not so patiently if I’m honest, and finally the family moved off. I explained my problem and the shop assistant who had been chatting to the little girl, offered to help. As we chatted, we talked about how early all the Christmas decorations had arrived in the store. How exciting it is for children and she openly shared that she didn’t have any grandchildren and that saddened her. I felt such compassion for this lady, she clearly loved children and was making the most of the encounter with the little girl. The shop assistant taught me a valuable lesson, and next time, hopefully, I’ll be more patient, less judgemental and more compassionate.