Jumping the gun

I learned a lesson today about jumping to conclusions.  Actually, a situation happened a few days ago that should have taught me this lesson, but I guess it took a second scenario to get it through my head lol.  I often jump the gun in a situation and automatically think the worst instead of waiting to see the outcome before drawing a conclusion.  Not one of my best character traits ;)

I went to the grocery store this afternoon to do some shopping.  I always use the self checkout register at the market and did the same today.  While I was paying for my groceries, an elderly lady came up behind me and was standing pretty close to me.  I do like my own personal space and prefer that perfect strangers stay out of it, but that wasn't the problem.  I was using my debit card to pay and had to enter my pin number, so I try to be as discreet as possible while punching it in.  Having worked for a bank and seeing the horrible things that can happen, I am a bit overly cautious about it.

Well, to be honest, my immediate thought was 'Why won't this lady back up and let me finish?'  I assumed she was just in a hurry and wanted me to move quicker.  I do not want to label everyone here in the New England region, but many folks here tend to be very cold toward each other and seem to be VERY impatient, especially while waiting in line.  So, I assumed that was the situation with her.  I worked in retail during high school and for a few years after, so I enjoy helping people and often I am the only one smiling in a store of miserable faces.  I always say I belong down south with other friendly people lol.  Now here is where I learned my lesson.

As I was waiting for my receipt to print, the lady asked me if I knew how to use the self checkout.  I told her that I did and she asked me if I could help her ring up her purchase.  And there it was.  I, yet again, jumped to conclusions about her and all she was really doing was standing close watching me so she could learn how to do it herself.  I smiled and told her I would help her, and I showed her how step by step and stood there until she was finished.  She thanked me for my help and I left.  I knew as soon as I walked out of the store that God was trying to show me something.  This is the second time in a week something has happened where I jumped the gun too quickly and was left feeling like a jerk.  I do know that it will not take a third time for me to learn to be slower to react to situations and not jump to conclusions.  I'm learning :)