Some people, I find, have a way of making me and my day feel so much better through a simple action.

Thank you to the woman working at a cash register this morning at Contenente on the edge of Grândola, Portugal. With our produce rung up and paid for, before I could speak any of my bubbling Portuguese, our teller gave the most natural smile and said in perfect English, ”Thank you and have a good weekend.” Her words felt heartfelt.

A simple, gracious deed, especially against the backdrop of the world’s problems, made my day that little bit brighter. It’s the simple things that make a difference.