Kindness at the Deli

“Lead the life that will make you kindly and friendly to everyone about you, and you will be surprised what a happy life you will lead.”

~ Charles M. Schwab

On a recent Sunday night, I found myself at the supermarket a little later than usual.  One of my children really wanted sliced ham from the deli, but as I approached the deli, I saw that it looked closed.  I asked one of the women behind the counter at what time the deli closed, so that I would know for next time.  She said the deli closed at 10 pm.  I looked at my phone, saw that it was 9:51 and told the woman that it was not 10 pm.  I truly did not expect her to stop cleaning the equipment and to get me what I wanted.  But she smiled as if she had not realized that it was not quite closing time.  She got me the ham I needed and asked if I was sure that I did not need anything else.  I told her that I was sorry that I was bothering her so close to closing, but she genuinely seemed not to mind.  She smiled and told me that it was no bother at all.