I had promised my mom I would send her my old Nurse's Drug guides b/c she has been out of school for over 10 years. So, I pack them up and head to the Post Office. I'm sure the Post Office in our town isn't the only one that you plan on spending at least 20 minutes waiting in line, so I was surprised when there was only 10 people in line.
I was finally next in line when the lady at the register closest to me says, "I'll have to go out to the car to get the rest of it." I'm not sure what she was mailing but she only brought a dollar in with her, and needed an additional 17 cents. So, off she ran. Then without hesitating I open my wallet and pull out a quarter and give it to the person behind the counter. He says next, I walk up hand him my package, give him cash, get my change and I'm on my way.
I heard him tell the lady that I had paid the change and she said thank you as I was walking away, and I smiled...
Am I a completely horrible person to have paid the remainder b/c I was in a hurry?? Now, I do live in a poor area, so there was some compassion in this act...but it was mainly b/c I had to leave be at V's house to get her son off the bus.
I'd like to think I am a nice person. I always offer to load groceries for old ladies, I stop people if I see they dropped something, and I tell someone if they have something in their teeth.
So, I guess I'm feeling pretty guilty for not doing this act purely out of the kindness of my heart. It's like it doesn't count, and is the same as if I did nothing.
Have you ever felt that way when you help someone, but also benefit from it??
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Being kind or impatient?
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10 comments:
Well maybe a little but usually I get over it. I think many times that we help people out there are "selfish" reasons involved. Sometimes not but sometimes there are. Someone is still getting the help.
Would you have done still paid it even if you weren't in a hurry? I had a couple in front of me buy a prescription who had to pay .41 cents. Neither one of them had any cash on them. I dug around my pockets to see if I had any just because I figured .41 cents I can handle that...but I didn't have enough on me either. Ah well...
Yup--especially when I am in the grocery store with 3 kids who are begging for every candy, chip and snack known to man!!
Sure. I think everyone does. Don't feel bad! You're a good person!
I am sure you would have paid it anyway. I know most people would. Don't feel bad!
I think it was a sweet gesture. I have done the same many times....and many times it was because I was in a hurry....but the end result is still....you did something for someone...and it was a kind thing to do. I am glad you shared that story today. I may go get in a line at Wal-mart and pay someones change. :-)
Don't feel bad. I have done the same kind of thing. A kind act is still a kind act. And the fact that you are worrying makes you that much sweeter!
it was still just plain kindness in the strangers eyes.
geez mary...it's not always about you!!!
justkiddingjustkiddingjustkidding
seriously, jk:)
xoxo
Well, I think you're a nice person! ;)
That is a hard one.
No matter how much of a hurry you were in, if you weren't a kind person you never would have paid the 17 cents for someone else. Don't beat yourself up. I KNOW you're a kind and generous person...remember the book? (And it was fabulous, completely fabulous, and I need to mail it back to you so email me the deets) :)
I heart you, Mary!
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