A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference. – Eeyore

Such common sense and logic.  It’s so simple and so true, yet so easy to forget, especially in times of stress.  I found myself at the grocery store the other day with my kids, picking up a few things.  We were in the express lane, and an elderly gentleman, though I hesitate to use the term, copped a real attitude with my daughter because we were standing in the line, and he couldn’t get by.  I don’t remember his exact words, but they were very insulting, and I was furious.  Was she in the way? Yes, yes she was.  Was it on purpose? No, of course not, we were waiting in our own line.  So he said something rude to her, and I took umbrage with that and snapped at him.  “I believe the words you were looking for were  EXCUSE ME.  They’re not that hard to say, you know.  You should try it.”  That was my immediate response.  I fumed for few more seconds and then, I felt horrible.  I’m not kidding.  I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry and beg the man’s forgiveness because my being rude right back didn’t do anything.

This man did NOT treat us with consideration, and for that he was wrong.  But I didn’t treat him with any consideration either and for that, I was more wrong.   I should have responded to his rudeness with kindness and consideration.  Maybe it would have improved his disposition.  Maybe not.  I had an opportunity to not only teach my kids a life lesson, I had an opportunity to be a better person, and I failed on both counts.  It did provide me with an opportunity to talk with my kids about doing the right thing, but the better lesson would have been for them to see it in action.

Every day in every way, we are given chances to prove ourselves and to treat others with kindness and consideration.  Don’t miss the opportunity.