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I was at my local butcher the other day. As you can imagine, coming up to Christmas, it was very, very busy. I was waiting in line for my turn when a man came out from behind and stepped in front of me. I figured that he was in a hurry, so let it go but could feel the tension that this man was exhibiting. The lady behind me told me that I just shouldn’t let him cut in line like that. I just shook my head. It was not worth it.

Next to the man was a lovely elderly woman. She was local and I have seen her around before and she always, always had a friendly smile for everyone she has ever met. The butcher had added up her order and she was short 90 cents and she was trying to figure out which cut of meat she should return. I pulled out a dollar and gave it to her, at the same time that a few other people in the store attempted to give her money…

She accepted graciously and attempted to hand back the donated money to their original owners but we all shook our heads and said please keep it. With tears in her eyes, she thanked each and every one of us in the store and then turned to the man beside her, who cut in line in front of me. She said in a quiet but firm voice -:

“When I saw you step in front of all these people so rudely, I wondered where all the human kindness, decency and just plain compassion had gone? Well, I found it right here. Right behind you, young man. Shame on you.”

The man turned bright red and instead of ordering, he turned and made a quick exit.

Merry Christmas. xox

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Posted by chezj, 29th November 2013