Being kind to the rude.

Why is it so hard to be kind to rude people? It amazes me how big of an influence one person can have on a person's life. Sometimes it takes the words of someone else to push us to do something we need to do. However, words can also push us to do things we never thought we would feel the need to do. They can be positive and yet so harmful.
In the last couple weeks I picked up a job and have dealt with a large amount of people. While I am no stranger to customer service, I am not used to being in a trainee situation. With every new  customer I am becoming more and more secure about my tasks and the codes needed to complete the tasks. While it is hard to be the person that is in training, it is even harder the week after training is over. This is why my patience is being tested. At this particular establishment there are several regulars, and they assume that you will move the world for them. The only problem is, that I can't give them special access just because they are "regulars" and still need them to identify themselves. I go on to explain that I am new, and am sorry I don't know their names well enough to identify them. Usually their response will be a nice comforting response, and their demeanor will completely change. These recurring situations have helped me to realize just how much control circumstances
have on a person's attitude and its direct effect.
The customers are willing to treat me in a very rude way, but the second that they realize that I am new to the job, they are aware of how rude they were to me. It takes me nicely explaining that I am new, for them to give me grace and be kind. Given not all of our customers are like this, there is a large amount of these situations.
It would be so much easier for me to be sassy, and have even seen bits of it disrespect come out of my coworkers mouths. I feel called to be above the rudeness and respond with kindness. While it is what I am instructed to do, this option can often be the most difficult.  It is hard to be nice to rude people, But I am nice because who doesn't like a nice person?