I was standing in line at the grocery store the other day with one package of prunes. There were two shoppers ahead of me with loaded baskets, so I knew I was in for a bit of a wait. I found myself wondering why one of the three employees mulling around the Customer Service area didn’t come open a line and provide some real customer service. I’m not a patient person and two loaded carts seemed like a big deal when all I needed was one package of prunes. I was trying to be pleasant when some items fell out of the basket ahead of me, so I bent down to help pick them up, but the basket’s human was quick, and she got the spilled goods before I could help. We smiled, exchanged a few words and slowly moved forward as the shopper at the counter paid her bill and left. The checker began ringing up my new acquaintance’s items when she, the shopper, grabbed my prunes and said, “I want to get these for you.” I was stunned and stammered something like, “I can get my own prunes. You don’t need to do that.” She insisted and bought my prunes. Wow! She continued to make positive comments to those around her. “It’s a great day.” “I got donuts for half off.”  “This sushi looks wonderful.” My grumpy customer service thoughts evaporated.

Later in the week, the girls were at my house for the day. I had a lot going on: beans needed picking and canning; the girls needed to be dropped off and picked up from piano lessons; my cousin, Theresa, was driving through and wanted to stop and see Grandma Red, who had physical therapy and a nurse visit scheduled and I needed to get this article written. 

So, we started navigating the day: we picked beans, delivered kids, picked more beans, welcomed Theresa, met the nurse who came while all of us were cutting beans. You can see how the day was going. Later the PT arrived. Finally, the beans were cut, and the PT, nurse and Theresa were on their way. The girls and I left Grandma Red’s with a big bowl of beans to process. When we got home, I started the pressure cooker, and the girls started their “stuff.”  Anyone who knows my girls know they are busy…crafts, fingernails, and smoothie mixing just to name a few of their regular activities. By the time the beans were on the counter cooling off, there was “stuff” everywhere. 

I find the older I get, the more order I need. There was no order in my house, none, zilch. I had a reception to attend. I asked the girls if they wanted to come. Nope, they would stay home. I went to the reception, enjoyed the beautiful venue and the people. It was a great night. I wasn’t looking forward to going home to chaos, but when I walked in the door it was magical. Everything was put away. The floor was swept and mopped. The counters were gleaming. I’d only been gone a half hour. Peace had been restored.

Two examples of what happens when good people get into gear: grumpy thoughts evaporate, and peace returns. It’s a Good Life when you encounter Good People.  Thank you, Tara, Hadley and Elle! You made a difference!