Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

Today I went to the Post Office and mailed outfits for two of my grandchildren.  I determinedly go to the same branch each time.  Why?  Because they practice right speech.  They are friendly and helpful, try to save me money (by not doing the flat rate box if I have something light, lending tape, and a couple of times repacking for me).  I make a conscious effort to thank them and smile and wish them a good day.  They are harried, suffer a lot of verbal abuse, and these days their jobs are insecure, but they remember they are serving the public.  They have infinite patience, and they may not be Buddhists, but they are practicing the Bodhicitta way.  I have another mailing store closer to me, but I'm faithful to the place that embodies civility and kindness.  It's a little thing.  But life is the little things.  And civility seems to be in short supply these days.