We can remember standing in long lines at our favorite grocery stores each week.  The line of customers with shopping carts that seemed bottomless seemed to never end.  Frustrated cashiers had to deal with even more frustrated grocery patrons.  At the end of our shopping experience, we are ready to see a smile or hear a “Thank you.  Come again.”

     In this fast moving world of ours came the brilliant idea of express checkout lanes.  Customers could pay for their items with these cashiers.  Limits of eight or ten items in our shopping cart or basket was all that was required.  For the most part, these express checkout lines are a life saver.  These lines seemed to move quickly and efficiently.

     From time to time little exceptions are made to the express check out rule.  The limit is eight items and you realize you have eleven.  Ninety percent of the time, the cashier will gladly wait on you.  A couple of extra items is not an inconvenience to them.  On the other hand, here comes the hurried customer who jumps in the express checkout line ahead of you.  You are instantly agitated at the sight of their overflowing cart.  They must have at least fifty items or more.  The cashier kindly explains to them about express checkout procedures.  The customer grows angry and demands the cashier wait on them.  Sometimes the threat of speaking to a supervisor is used.  In defeat, the reluctant cashier agrees, holding up the entire line of customers waiting to pay for their purchases.

     Store employees and customers alike should show respect and compassion for one another.  Use the express checkout lines for a few items.  If you have a full shopping cart, wait in the longer lines with the majority of the store.  Show each other a little kindness with a smile, a thank you or a helping hand.  A little bit of thoughtfulness will go a long way and be remembered even longer.