I was standing in line at the gas station today just minding my business. There was a young woman in front of me and it seemed like she was taking a while. I overheard the cashier tell her that both of her cards had been declined. She looked embarrassed and asked if something was wrong with the machine, then turned to walk away.
I had a small smile on my face, not at her situation, but just because I smile often. She looked at me and snapped, “Why are you smiling?” I gently told her, “Watch your mouth, I always smile and you should too.”
Right after that, I asked the cashier what pump she was on. He said pump number two and asked me why. I told him I wanted to put twenty dollars on her pump. The cashier was surprised and said, “But she was rude to you.” Before I could answer, another man in line spoke up. He said, “Go ahead and fill it up, I’ll help you cover it.” Together, we paid for her gas.
When we stepped outside to tell her, she broke down crying and apologized over and over. She showed us her new hire paperwork from her truck and explained she was starting work on Monday. She just needed enough gas to get through the week until she got her first paycheck.
In that moment, I was reminded why I should never stop smiling. You never really know what someone else is going through. A little kindness can change someone’s whole day. We all have a purpose here, and sometimes it is as simple as showing love when someone needs it most.