I was in the grocery store checkout line considering if all the ingredients for dinner were in the cart. As the checker ran the mozzarella cheese across the scanner I noticed it rang up a dollar ninety-five more than the sale price on the display.

"That cheese is actually on sale for $2.00," I told the girl ringing up my groceries.

"Oh?" She responded as she pulled out the weekly flyer. "Well, you are right," she agreed as she motioned to the manager. "Ron, this cheese is on sale and it came up at the regular price.”

"I'll be right back," he said heading toward the dairy case in the far corner of the store.

Feeling inconsiderate for slowing down the late afternoon flow of the check out line, I turned to the woman behind me and apologized for the computer error. She smiled politely probably wondering how she always ends up behind someone who wants a price check or debates with the clerk over coupons. Ron returned explaining that I had picked up the 16-ounce package, not the 12-ounce package that was on sale. As he handed me the cheese, I turned to the woman behind me again. This time I was not expecting to receive such a pleasant smile since it was my human error instead of the computer.

"I am so sorry. I know how irritating it is to be in line behind shoppers like me."

Since frustration with other people's mistakes is not easily hidden at five o'clock in the afternoon, her response surprised me. She grinned and said, "I refuse to let four ounces of cheese ruin my otherwise wonderful day."

That should be inscribed in stone somewhere!! Even though I have never seen her again, the grocery store lady has reminded me for years to count inconveniences as nothing but four ounces of cheese.