The Happiest Line

I was in Walmart yesterday on the express checkout line. The man ahead of me had four items. After the cashier scanned them, he told her the price was wrong. It scanned at $5.97 each but he said it was $4.00. The cashier left her line and walked to find the item. People started to grumble about her leaving. She came back and said that the sign said $5.97. He was adamant that it was $4.00. She called over a manager and asked him to go to the aisle with the man and see what he was talking about. The both of them left while the man's daughter stood in line. I could feel the tension behind me. I said to the cashier that sometimes people just have to convince themselves and many times they really are right. That is when she kicked into her "preacher" mode. She started to clap her hands and sing and say that everyone who got up this morning is blessed and that they should enjoy the day. Every moment is precious so why waste it being negative. She said her line is always the happiest line in Walmart because she won't let bad moods ruin her day. The lady in back of me spoke up and agreed. The man behind her did too. The mood on the line changed from tense to relaxed as we waited for the price check. When the manager returned, he told the cashier that the man was right. His items were in the clearance aisle. He paid and then I checked out. I wished "Carmen" a great day. As I walked away, I could still hear the pleasantries that were continuing on the line. Attitude does make a difference.