One day, I picked up my daughter Lingling from school and went to the supermarket for a few things. I was hoping to be in and out quickly.
I found a short line with just one person in front of me. It was an old woman, and she was paying for her things with only coins (硬币). After a long day at work, I thought the woman was very terrible.
But then I watched a young salesman. He helped her count her coins, ever so kindly taking them from her shaking hands. He repeatedly said to her, "Yes, ma'am (女士). " When she asked if she had enough money to buy a bag, he told her she did. Then he walked over two lines and got one for her. This salesman wasn't angry at all. He was patient and kind.
As I was watching him, I saw Lingling was, too. I realized my daughter was learning an important lesson from a stranger.
When the woman was finished, the salesman began ringing up my things and thanked me for my patience (耐心). I thanked him, too. I found the manager and told him about the salesman's kindness and patience.
Then we left the supermarket with a full basket, but also with a heart full of thankfulness for such an important lesson.