As a bookseller at Barnes and Noble, Wendy has all sorts of encounters. Here is her latest (and best) experience with patience…linked to kindness. Such a clear connection between the two.

Two sweet young customers, one a teen and the other a pre-teen, were purchasing books. They were short $2.35. As they were digging into a shallow coin purse, Wendy knew they wouldn’t have the entire amount; but she waited to give them the opportunity to look. She was patient and kind as she hoped the customers behind the girls would be.

And then a simple, generous offer: two customers each offered $1. With those $2 and the 35 cents found in the coin purse, the girls had their books. They will remember the generosity of two kind and patient strangers, and they will pay it forward. They will also remember the other subtle messages: Enjoy your new books. Continue to read.