In the “old days,” it was not uncommon for parents, teachers and friends to cite the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Slowly, society became more cynical and less caring, changing the rule to, “The one who has the gold makes the rules.” We seem immersed in the latter and desperately need reminders of the former. My wife and I received such a reminder the other day, thanks to a young woman who works for the delivery service that Walmart uses.

Cheryl had ordered a few things from the local Walmart. She requested that the order be delivered to our home. A little while later, she received a phone call from the local UPS Store where we receive mail and packages. Somehow the app did not pick up on the home address she had placed for delivery, and the delivery driver was at UPS with our items, which included refrigerated and frozen items. Though the guidance she received from her supervisor was to return the order with a “wrong address” notation, she asked for our location. Via text messages, she kept us apprised of her location as she headed our way, about 10 minutes from UPS. She was polite, helpful and brought a big smile with our order.

A bit after she left, I texted her our thanks and appreciation again, stating that she had gone above and beyond.  Her reply was simple and sincere:

“Well, I would want someone to do the same for me.  You’re welcome!”

So simple, so refreshing, so human. She used how she would like to be treated as her guidance on what to do for others. I’m afraid that is a dying perspective with far too many folks wanting to be treated by others in ways that are caring and respectful, but not remembering that wisdom when dealing with others themselves.