It's the little things that can say alot about who we are.

I was standing in a short line to wash my hands after using a public restroom. Two women were at the sinks. After one woman finished washing and drying her hands she took additional paper towels and started wiping down the surrounding sink area. There was quite a bit of water to absorb. Her friend standing next to her, addressed her by name and asked, "What are you doing and why?" The woman replied, "I am cleaning up the water around the sink. I am doing this to make it cleaner and nicer for the next person." She continued, "It is always better to leave a place better than you found it." The two women smiled to one another and left. As an observer, I was struck with the important lesson I learned that day. A perfect stranger taught me to be thoughtful of others in a way I had not previously considered. It was a small gesture that made a lasting impression. Her example of kindness and thoughtfulness was far reaching.

Read more stories from the same author: https://www.quora.com/profile/Michele-L-Gaddis