A car guard came to my rescue one evening last week, when he saw me trying to lower my trolley from the higher kerbside to the parking area below. Like many Joburgers I tend to carry plastic and not much cash. Whenever this happens and I don’t have money to tip a car guard, I normally decline the offer of assistance. This evening, though, I allowed him to help me, visions of groceries strewn across the parking area of the local Pick and Pay running through my mind. As he closed the boot of my car, I asked him if I could show my gratitude with some apples since I didn’t have money on me. His face broke into a smile and he said, “It’s ok, if you don’t have money, you don’t have to give me anything. I helped you.”
I thought that this was a lovely story. I come from a place where tipping doesn’t happen and is certainly not expected however, kindness of strangers always brings a feeling of joy, peace and hope and brightens your day as I’m sure it did theirs.
Thank you. Here in Johannesburg kindness from strangers is always surprising. It did indeed brighten my day.
Sometimes we underestimate the help that others are really wanting to give without any motive.
That is true indeed. It was an unexpected reminder, an opportunity to turn inward and take stock of the assumptions I carry around with me. Thanks for commenting, Ian 🙂