This week I was in line at the grocery store and witnessed a woman absolutely belittle a young cashier. She took every opportunity to inform him that he was not doing his job well. The young man kept his cool but he was obviously upset by what the woman was saying. She questioned the way he was ringing up items and how he was bagging things. She even went as far as to say "you really need to learn the proper way to bag things, you should have learned that your first day." It took all of me to hold my tongue while this woman verbally abused this young man. It was absolutely appalling. When her transaction was complete and it was my turn, it was evident how relieved the cashier felt. He even said, thank you for being so nice. I said I know how hard it can be when someone tries to belittle you, but you really are doing a fine job. He offered a kind smile and continued ringing up my groceries.
In that moment I was reminded that my groceries may cost $80, but kindness is free. In this crazy time, we just remember that kindness is the cheapest thing we can offer someone else. It is something we all can afford.
In light of all the things that have transpired over the last few days it is evident the country is filled with more hate than love. We are more concerned with tearing people down than building them up. We are more concerned with belittling others than inspiring them. Right now, we are a country that's has forgotten that kindness is free.
I personally have a hard time understanding the anger that so many people have. I understand the disappointment and the fear. I understand the confusion and the worry. But the hatred, I will never understand. No one is perfect. We aren't designed to be. But to harbor so much hatred in your heart says more about you than it does the person you hate.
In this world, the only thing you can control is yourself. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. Yet today so many people are choosing hatred. So many people are turning to anger and hate as a response to the way they are feeling. Honey attracts more bees than vinegar, my friends.
