PAYING IN FORWARD

"I really don't think we need corn tonight," I said to Terry.

"OK, take it back while I check out," she replied.

A few minutes later ( I did stop to check out the price of asparagus) I returned to the check out line.

"You owe this man $20 for our order," Terry blurted. "I forgot my wallet and this gentleman was in a hurry so he paid for our order to keep the line moving."

"No, no, no," the athletic looking Middle Eastern man said. "No need to pay. I want to give this to you," he said pointing to our three bags of groceries.

"But, but, here is the $20," I insisted, pulling out a green bill from my wallet.

"No, no. I refuse to take your money," he said kindly.

"That's very good of you," I continued, "but you can't just give us $20 like that."

"It's yours. Have a good night," he replied and he walked away into the night.

"Wow, that was really weird," I said. "What just happened? I know we're not wearing designer shorts and tees but do really think he thought we couldn't afford our groceries?"

"Not at all," replied Terry. " I just think he was trying to be nice. And say, did we ever really thank him for his generosity?"

"Not really," I said, now feeling rather sheepish.

I realize that we handled the situation poorly and that the proper response was to give an immediate thank you for this person's altruism.

And in the near future , to pay it forward for someone else.

That's the real lesson here.