Rewarding those that give... kindness. ❤️
When I stop at our local sandwich shop and see a serviceman or woman, or law enforcement officer in line, I let the clerk know that I want to pay for their sandwiches. Many times the officers are not aware, but it warms my heart as I leave the shop and know they will not need to reach into their wallets when they check out. A small thing and very easy to do. ❤️
When this challenge was presented- I immediately remembered a special moment during the holidays a few years ago. I had popped into a local market, one I don't usually shop at; during the holidays, at lunch time it wasn't busy. This market is locally owned and I've noticed that they hire a very eclectic mix of workers. Many are tattooed, pierced, with edgy or colored hair, and they are allowed to wear more urban clothes instead of uniforms. In our "curated country club" neighborhood it stands out as a place that accepts all kinds. (And employs them!)
I was in line to check out behind a group of teenagers that appeared to be buying their lunch. They had a mix of items, mostly packaged rolls, crackers, a can of tuna, and one had a package of lettuce mix. When the groceries were totaled, the kids scrounged through their pockets of wadded up small bills and combined their change, and could not come up with the total. It was under $20. One girl returned the lettuce and the total was still over their budget. Meanwhile, other shoppers, and myself included were becoming impatient and restless waiting for these kids to pay for their food.
The young tattooed checker, with skinny, ripped, tight black jeans, lots of chains coming in and out of his pockets, with pierced nose, lips, and brows and unkempt oily hair was very patient with them. Then... he reached into is wallet attached to one of the chains... and fished out a few folded bills, and paid the difference for the kids. Including the lettuce mix.
I was so surprised. He looked like he needed help himself. When I checked out- I thanked him for his kindness to the kids in front of me. When I got to the car I realized I wanted to do something for him. I walked back in and he was not at the register... I found him helping stock at the back and pressed a $100 bill in his hand and said , Merry Christmas- thank you for being kind. He refused to take it at first, but I turned and walked out. Smiling. ❤️
This post is for the December Acts-of-kindness---sharing-love---joy-this-holiday-season challenge on Active Rain hosted by Kathleen Daniels.and Dr. Paula McDonald
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