I only share this story to encourage all to do what is right, even when it seems like a small thing and could be easily dismissed. So here is my story:
On Saturday, Andy ran his first half marathon in Mt. Clemens Let's Move race. Gabby and I went to watch him start and then patiently wait for him to finish. It was a brisk, windy day. We saw the group start the half marathon and decided we would go to the finish line and wait. Once there, we got to see all the 5K runners finish and many of the walkers finish. It was a lot of fun to watch people come across the finish line. We still had another 45-60 minutes before we were expecting Andy to cross the finish line. Gabby had wanted a snack and I thought it would be nice to get out of the wind and warm up a bit. We went in a little Coney Island Restaurant and ordered something to drink and Gabby got some ice cream. (Yes, I win mother of the year for letting my 10 year old eat ice cream at ten o'clock in the morning.) We finished and went to pay for our order. I then saw the sign that said they only took cash and no credit cards. I got a little flustered because I wasn't sure I had enough cash on me. I actually had to dig out of the bottom of my purse a couple dollars to cover the bill that was a little over five dollars. I paid the bill and went on my merry way. We got to see Andy finish in under 2 hours. He was very pleased with his time.
Sunday morning while I was getting ready for church, I realized I forgot to leave a tip for the waitress on Saturday. I have never stiffed a waitress in my life. I was horrified. God really began to speak to me that I should fix the situation and return to the diner to try and find my waitress and give her the tip I forgot to leave on Saturday. It seemed like such a silly thing, the tip would have amounted to a mere dollar. Really, should I go back for just a dollar. Yes, for sure. I had to make this right. To make matters worse, I had worn my two word story hoodie on Saturday. What kind of witness had I left with the waitress or had she even noticed. It didn't matter if she noticed, it was time to do the right thing.
Monday afternoon, I was able to go back to the diner and find the waitress and give her the tip I had forgotten. I would love to tell you I was able to witness to her and tell her the plan of salvation right there and then, but this did not happen. I explained what had happened and told her about God prompting me to return to give the tip. She said thank you and told me I didn't have to do it. I told her I did. She said thank you and I left. I don't know if it makes a difference in her life or not, but sometimes it isn't about that only. It is about remaining faithful to the prompts of God, even when it seems like such a silly thing.
3 comments:
I do think (or at least want to believe) that made a difference in that waitresses day/life. For most people who are not as comfortable talking about God, it may be very difficult for them to hear the Words from a kind stranger, but none the less.. I do believe she heard you and it made her life a little bit better at least for that moment in time and hopefully for many reflective moments later! You were Christ for her today and God does only know what her day was like prior to your arrival. I am confident (pun intended) she heard Christ through you!
oops.. Denise.. that was me - your cousin MaryAnn - under scottj78... I'm not sure how I posted under his ID except that maybe it was an automatic logon. Anyway, just wanted to ID myself!
It's too easy in life to pass on things that seem small, the things that don't seem to really "matter." Afterall, it WAS just a dollar! 4 quarters. 100 pennies. "you'll catch that waitress NEXT time...." (that's what we tell ourselves). The problem is, we start to compromise and the "one dollar" can lead to bigger things..."I'll just park in this handicapped parking stop this time only," "oops...I'm just going to blow this stop sign or run this light this one time because I'm in a hurry!" Or, "yes, i bit her head off..i should apologize but im having a bad day! She'll get over it." (under rug swept). And we can become desensitized to things that are wrong (even a little wrong) and we feel a sense of entitlement or a gradual disregard for authority, laws, rules, morals, values and taking the time to do what's right. A slow fade. I think your "little" act speaks "big" about your character, integrity and following God with the big and little things in life! It is a great example for all of us. (yesterday at Costco, I had already checked out and was leaving the store when I realized I had the cashier's pen in my hand. She had the farthest lane from the exit, but I u-turned my cart and walked back to hand her her blue Bic ballpoint pen (for these very same reasons). Much good in life is found in the small.
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