Fourteen years ago, my wife and I traveled to Florence, Italy to visit our son who was doing a semester abroad. It was our first time in the beautiful country abundant in art, music, wine, food and friendly people.
As typically happens on vacation, shopping becomes easier and more fun. Wendy and I decided to buy leather jackets that were due to be ready on the morning we were to leave for Rome.
After packing our bags in order to make a timely trip to the train station, we walked to the quaint shop to pick up our items. The sign on the window stated the shop would open at 9:30. Looking at the time, 8:50, we decided to grab an espresso and pastry. Our leisurely coffee brought us to 9:35 and we took off for the store. The store had not opened. We decided to explore the area and figured we’d give them a little more time (mindful of our 11:30 train departure).
My frustration grew as 10, 10:15 and 10:30 rolled around and they were still not opened. Finally, at 10:40 the owner showed up. I said, with my American directness, “Your sign says you open at 9:30, it’s 10:40 and we have a train to catch!”
He looked at me with a smile and said, “Last night, we had a lovely party with our friends and family and drank a lot of nice wine. We’re Italian, we’re lazy! Eh!” It was in the most happy-go-lucky way possible. While this didn’t exactly sit well with me, we collected our stuff and ran, making the train by only a few minutes. I was not happy.
In hindsight, my perspective has changed. The store owner focused more on what was important to him, being with his friends, rather than getting the store opened at a precise time. I was pretty harsh in my judgment of him and his lack of “respect” for time and business (internally).
But looking back, he couldn’t have been more in tune with his values and living them. They weren’t just words. I wish I had been more generous with my thoughts at the time and recognized what was really going on.
How can you not celebrate those who live their values?
