A Heart Warming Encounter

“A good example is the best sermon.” ~ Unknown

On a rainy day last week I stopped at Graul’s in rural Hereford, Maryland since I was in the area. I needed a few things and because I like their business culture I enjoy shopping there. Entering into their markets brings back memories of how food shopping used to be when there was the neighborhood corner store.  You knew the name of the friendly fella behind the counter in the butcher department, the bakery or the deli and you put your faith in the storekeeper to carry high quality foodstuffs .

As always, after I did my shopping, one of Graul’s employees offered to help put the groceries in my car. As he and I walked across the parking lot, I made small talk about the damp, gloomy weather.

“Ma’am,” the Graul’s employee said, “it doesn’t really matter to me if it’s raining or if the sun is shining, I’m here to help people no matter what the weather. ”

“Well, I really appreciate your assistance with my packages.  There is one that’s kinda heavy.” I said, opening the hatchback of the car.

“I like helping others. It’s just the way I was raised,” he said with a big smile on his face.

“Well, you’re a very kind soul,” I said.

“Ma’am, I come from good, good people. I don’t know any other way to be.”

How lovely! As I drove off I reflected on his words expressing beautiful gratitude for the people who raised him. His guardians or parents obviously did well in modeling the kind of behavior they wanted him to exhibit.