It's the little things that make a big difference.

While I was browsing through a bookstore in downtown Hyderabad, I came across quite a few great books- both non-fiction and fiction. I could literally spend hours in a bookstore; it's equivalent to a candy store for a kid. So being in a bookstore is really an exercise in discipline. Even as a kid I used to love going to libraries; i would sit with a book in the kids section and just be completely immersed in the story. I think mentally I was in another world, not that I had anything to escape from in reality.

I was browsing through a few books, then I climbed a narrow little staircase to the second floor where they had textbooks and children's literature. One of the men who worked in the stores was very helpful and he took any book I wanted to take a look at out of it's plastic cover. There were quite a few books he had to dust off; for which I was grateful. I kept glancing at my hands every now and then because they were getting blacker and blacker with every book I touched. And I think he noticed. I bought a book and an educational game for my nephew and niece and headed downstairs to pay and leave.

They were kind enough to offer free gift-wrapping for the game, which I happily accepted. What child or adult doesn't like a gift-wrapped present? Even if only for the joy of tearing it open! While I was waiting for my item to be gift-wrapped, the man who was helping me upstairs came down with a water bottle and asked if I wanted to wash my hands. I was a little surprised actually- I didn't know how to respond for a moment. I've never had this service offered by a bookstore before! He was very nice and just outside the shop he poured water over my hands so I could clean the dirt off.

It may seem like such a small and minute thing to remember, but this really stayed with me. After all he really didn't need to do it; which can only mean that he made a choice to do it. Perhaps I'm one of the lucky few to have an experience like this. Or perhaps he does this for everyone. It really doesn't matter. He exercised simple common sense and decency.

Taking time for details in the present may save us a lot of time in the future. For example taking part in simple acts of kindness. We never know how a smile or a kind word can lift another's mood. It could be something seemingly insignificant in our eyes, but in the other person's eyes we become their hero, or heroine. Which is not a bad place to be; regardless of the responsibilities attached. So take time to be kind, to pursue your hobby or passion, and you may find that you are a much better person.