As a handicapped senior citizen, I can be pretty slow moving. When I go to a store or event lately I have sensed some impatience and “twitching” as I place my order and slow down the line. Let’s admit, we can likely remember a time when we have been impatient with someone, and felt bad about it later.
Last Saturday, I had an experience that definitely demonstrated the value of maintaining patience and being kind. Here’s what happened: My two sons and I went to Wrigley Field as a 30-year Father’s Day tradition. The crowd was a sellout and everyone was jamming up at the gates to show their tickets and enter the park. Then came me poking along. As I went through the gate, an usher saw me with my cane and graciously offered to bring me a chair. Even though I declined, I was warmed by his enthusiasm and caring.
Later in the game I moved from my seat to go buy a snack. As I was descending the steps, one of the ushers reached out and said, “Here, take my arm”. What impressed me most was what management had built into their culture. I walked away thinking how much these folks welcome helping people and how much they care.
This is my message to you: Every human interaction is a moment of truth. How you manage that moment is a big part of what life is made of. We can truly make the other person feel important and apreciated, or we can be indifferent. Are you a people builder or people shrinker? Which one would you rather be?
