I visited the supermarket after a run this evening, and I was struck by a quick conversation between an employee and a customer I wish to share. 

As per usual, I never navigate the supermarket with the focus of a small ant. I almost never go in order and thus I find myself making a few quick laps around the supermarket before I find all that I need. I look at this more as a way to get a few more steps in. Also, had I not circled back to the peanut butter isle for a third time, I would have never caught the story I am about to tell. 

The man hurried in and to me, he did not look angry. He tapped an employee who was collecting boxes on the shoulder and she turned around. 

He said a bit frantically, "Listen, I came back because I don't want to get anyone in trouble. You did nothing wrong, but I definitely cheated you out of some money on my return. I was supposed to get 7 dollars back only and you gave me 17 dollars back. I just wanted to be honest. I don't want you to get in trouble."

The employee said with a smile, "Yeah. I honestly noticed that when I was making the return. But based on our machines, once I enter in the return, it is a bit difficult to backtrack and put in a different amount. I figured the store will be okay, and you just ended up with a little more money than intended."

The man responded, "Are you sure Miss? You don't want me to just give you the money so you don't get in trouble?"

The employee responded, "No, sir. Not to worry. I already told my manager. But I do hope you have a very Happy Easter Weekend."

I was struck by this conversation for two reasons. It was such a candid and beautiful human interaction that what could I do but tell the story again. But also, it reminds us of the goodness in humanity. When we spend our days thinking about all the terrible things in our society and all the wrongs and all the rights we wish there were, there are some people out there really trying to make a positive difference. And it starts with encounters of truth. And patience and respect. Small acts changing the very goodness of the world. Right inside the supermarket.