If you’ve been an adult for even a short while, you understand the frustration of waiting for service professionals to resolve an issue—whether it’s plumbing, cable, or a malfunctioning appliance. You have to find the right person, make an appointment, and then endure the vague time “window” they provide, which is often just a rough estimate.
I’ve faced this annoyance many times, but a recent experience offered me a fresh perspective. A few weeks ago, we arranged for some plumbing work because our new dishwasher was incompatible with the old pipes in our home. The plumber confirmed his arrival between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and I was eager to finally use my new appliance after a week of hand-washing dishes.
Around 4:30 p.m., I received an unwelcome call: the plumber was running late, and the new time slot was now 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. I thought to myself, “No big deal.” I prepared dinner for the kids and carried on with my evening, eagerly awaiting the moment when I could stop washing forks by hand.
However, the “6-8” window turned out to be a miscommunication, as he didn’t arrive until 11 p.m. I was furious and ready to unleash a rant about how I wouldn’t pay a bill for someone who was six hours late.
But then things changed. The plumber entered, visibly stressed and apologetic. He explained that he had been dealing with a burst pipe at an inner-city housing complex an hour away. On top of that, he had one more job to finish after mine, all in an effort to earn enough for the following day off—July 4th—to spend time with his daughter, who he hadn’t seen all week.
His tardiness wasn’t due to laziness or a long break; he was late because he was repairing essential plumbing, not just installing a dishwasher. If he had prioritized my job, families in dire need of running water might have suffered. His motivation was to support his family and secure quality time with his daughter, just like my father did for me.
In that moment, I recalled my own dad, who worked long hours as a truck driver, often leaving home at 3 a.m. He took on extra shifts and weekend side jobs so that my mom, sister, and I could have everything we needed. I wondered how many times he faced a rude customer for being late after working tirelessly for his family.
At 11 p.m., while I was inconvenienced and tired, I chose to respond differently. Instead of berating the plumber, I thanked him for his hard work and offered him a case of beer from our fridge to enjoy on his holiday.
Next time I feel the urge to lash out at a late service worker, I’ll pause and consider the challenges they might be facing. I hope that plumber enjoyed his time with his daughter, creating memories similar to those I cherish from my own childhood.
Ultimately, our shared humanity relies on kindness. We need to be grateful and teach our children to treat others with respect. Whether it’s being patient with a waiter or acknowledging construction workers in the heat, kindness matters. Let’s strive for a world where we lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
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In conclusion, let’s always choose compassion and patience, as these small choices can create a ripple effect of positivity in our society.