Kindness and a rainbow

It can be quite easy to be kind when you realize that you don’t know what people are going through.

I was at the grocery store yesterday with Laura to get a few things. I’m in a lot of pain. I had to bail and wait in the car, which is a common thing, and my dear Laura would finish shopping. Sweat is pouring off me and my cane is barely holding me up.

At the front of the store there’s a tiny Starbucks. On my to-do list is to pick up gift cards. I walked up and purchased ten. Each one must be activated, and it takes time.

An older gentleman gets behind me. He’s too close. I can hear him huff and puff. He speaks up, a bit too loud, and asks with exasperation: “how many more are there?”.

I turned around and gave him a quick look in the eye. “My sister is quite ill in the hospital and I’m getting gift cards for the staff to thank them for how well they’re taking care of her. Don’t worry, there’s only three left to do.” I didn’t mean to be sanctimonious, but I was just so tired.

I thanked the worker and went to the car. I’m feeling discouraged as it’s been a tough day. One if too many recently. But I look up and see a rainbow in the sky and I remind myself there is beauty all around and that I have much to be thankful for.