We’ve all been there, driving down the road, and suddenly you spot a vendor selling their goods by the roadside.
.
You decide to stop and check it out.
.
In this particular instance, it’s a poor woman with a baby on her back, and she’s selling onions and bananas.
.
As you pull up and lower your car window, you notice her humble situation.
.
But instead of approaching with kindness, you almost bark at her in a rough tone, “How much are you selling those onions and bananas?”
.
With a touch of grace, the poor seller responds, “N1,500 for a bunch of bananas and N1,000 for a pack of onions.”
.
However, you, with a sense of pride, insist on a lower price.
.
You want the bunch of bananas at N800 and the pack of onions at N700, or you might just drive away.
.
With a heavy heart, the seller agrees to your terms, saying, “Take them at the price you want.
.
I haven’t made any sales today, but at least I have something for supper now.”
.
She accepts the loss and even buys a plastic bag for you to carry the items you’ve just purchased.
.
You, in a rush, demand her to be quick, or you might change your mind.
.
Despite your brusque attitude, she smiles, packs your items, and blesses you for choosing to buy from her.
.
You toss the money her way and speed off, leaving her and her baby coughing in the dust you’ve left behind.
.
Later, you arrive at a fancy 5-star restaurant, and you’re meeting friends.
.
Everyone orders expensive food, and there are more leftovers than consumed meals.
.
The bill totals N65,000, and you pay it without hesitation, even tipping the waiter N5,000.
.
Doesn’t this scenario seem familiar?
.
It might, but it’s a stark example of how we sometimes treat the less fortunate.
.
The Question Is: Why?
.
Why do we haggle and act arrogantly when buying from the poor?
.
Why do we become stingy when dealing with the vulnerable?
.
Why do we show kindness to those who don’t need it?
.
When we buy from the poor, let’s consider being more generous.
.
Sometimes, paying extra for the items you purchase from these individuals can make a world of difference in their lives.
.
If possible, support local markets and vendors.
.
The next time you see them on the streets or in traffic, try not to bargain too much.
.
Your kindness can be a blessing in their lives, no matter how small.
.
Let’s make an effort to be kinder, especially when dealing with those who are simply trying to make ends meet.
.
We all have a part to play in supporting one another, and it starts with our everyday choices.
