When was the last time you had compassion and patience with someone who was struggling? Whether you passed by this person on the street or you stood behind them in a checkout line, chances are you might have felt a little inconvenienced and possibly even annoyed. It's easy to view the world through our limited perspectives, but that's exactly why the photo of this Walmart cashier helping an elderly customer count his change should make you stop and think for a moment.
In Clarksdale, Mississippi, Spring Herbison Bowlin was in line at Walmart and behind this nervous elderly customer. While Bowlin could have chosen to become impatient, instead she decided to not be in a rush and pay attention to what was going on right in front of her. Here's her story of what happened that day.
Here is the full text of the story.
My heart was warmed at Wal-Mart during lunch.
This gentleman's items were scanned and he was given the total. He looks apologetically back at me and starts taking handfuls of change out of his pockets. He miscounts and starts to get flustered.Gives me a muttered, "I'm so sorry." His hands and voice are shaking. This beautiful cashier takes his hands and dumps all the change on the counter and says, "This is not a problem, honey. We will do this together."
He continues to apologize to both of us as we reassure him it's ok. They get his transaction handled and he shuffles away.
I looked at this wonderful woman and said, "Thank-you for being so patient with him."She shakes her head and replies, "You shouldn't have to thank me, baby. What's wrong with our world is we've forgotten how to love one another."
I want to be more like her.
Unfortunately most of us can admit to being unkind to others in situations like this, and this Walmart cashier shows the importance in treating every stranger you encounter like family.
The next time you're waiting in line, no matter if it's the drive-thru or the grocery store, take a closer look at what's going on. There might be someone who is having a worse day than you just trying to get by, someone who needs all of the love and support you can send them.
