Waiting as a gift

Immediately after waving to me and saying, “I can ring you up!” the cashier struggled to log into the system. Meanwhile, another cashier said, “I can take you over here.”

A kind offer, but I waited where I was.

The person helping me dashed over to get a manager’s help. “Why isn’t my password working?”

Again, the other cashier: “Really. I can help you, sir.”

“Oh, I don’t mind the wait. We rush around too much anyway. I’m happy to catch my breath.”

What I didn’t explain was my perspective: it’s generous to wait patiently. And it’s a gift to hold space while someone else is trying to do their job. When possible, it’s kind to let them see it through.

Sure enough, after a minute, the password was accepted.

After I finished paying, the cashier said, “Thanks for being patient. I really appreciate that.”

I replied, “I knew you’d get it sorted out!” (I didn’t, really. But patience often involves keeping quietly hopeful in the midst of uncertainty.)