People are Inherently Good

I had a great experience yesterday, and it reminded me another one I had earlier this month and one from years ago, in which people really surprise me.

As I was pulling into the Starbucks parking lot yesterday morning (it was Wednesday!) a guy in a yellow jeep disregarded my right of way and almost cut me off. I honked, sans middle finger, and kept on my merry way. I parked in the first spot I saw open, though it was kind of far from the front door, just so I could avoid this person. I never saw the jeep driver get out of his car. I was disappointed by a middle-aged man who didn't hold the door for me to enter Starbucks, but rather hurried himself through the door forgetting about me. I thought this must definitely be the rude guy from the jeep. But it wasn't. I waited in line, paid for my drink, and a man in his mid to late 20's approached me. He said "I'm sorry." And I said "what?" I wasn't sure why this guy was approaching me. He called himself "the guy from the jeep" and apologized for cutting me off. He said he was in a big hurry and just wasn't paying attention. I accepted his apology, we both wished each other a good day, and then he went on his way. WOW! I was very impressed. Looking back I noticed the jeep guy waiting a few feet away from the cash register while I was in line. He already had his drink, but he waited for me to get through the line before approaching me. So even though he was in a hurry he waited for me to order and pay before apologizing to me. Maybe it doesn't take much to impress me. But it made me realize that there are good people in this world! I hope he had a great rest of his day and got where he needed to go on time.

Two additional examples of how good people really are:
1) I had a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles on my trip to see Alabama play in the BCS National Championship game. I boarded the flight, was happy to have a window seat and a small woman as my seat mate. I noticed she was talking to a gentleman a few rows back. I asked if it was her husband and she said it was. I offered to switch with him so they could sit together. She was worried that I wouldn't want to sit in an aisle seat but I assured her it was no big deal. I made the switch and was content in my new seat, albeit a little less comfortable due to my new, heavier set seat mate (but it turns out this guy is a doctor in a small town in Alabama who has my friend's mom as a patient - although I'm pretty sure he wasn't supposed to tell me that she was a patient). About one hour into the five hour flight the flight attendants made the rounds with snacks and drinks. When they got to me a flight attendant asked me if I was the lady who switched with the gentleman so he could sit with his wife. I replied that yes, I was the one. She said he wanted to buy me a cocktail or snack as a thank you. I declined, because I was really happy to have helped them; it was such a simple gesture! Okay, and I already had a bag of the $2 peanut M&M's in my hands. And I would have felt guilty for ordering a $7 red wine. I thought it was great that he appreciated the gesture and wanted to show his appreciation.

2) I don't remember the details of this example, as it happened years ago when I lived in Albuquerque. Back then I went to church every week. That church is actually the only church I really enjoyed in all the places I've lived. I have never found anything quite like it. Anyway, I usually sat up front because once I sat in the back and a guy in the row next to mine was clipping his fingernails. Seriously. It was disgusting. After the service on this particular Sunday I was making my way from the front of the church to the exit when I young girl, approximately seven years old, allowed me to exit in front of her. It was so simple, but made a huge impact. Out of all three examples I've shared here, this is the only one that brought me to tears. I was overwhelmed with emotion at her simple, polite gesture. And from such a young girl! It made me think we all want to do good, but bad habits develop over the years and society doesn't really reward good behavior.

Good deeds fill me with joy. I look forward to spreading some joy to others based on my recent inspiration from jeep guy, airplane guy, and little girl.

Note: I am not the best writer. I never have been. Maybe throughout this process I will improve. Here's to hoping!