Those of us who have sold houses before know how stressful it can be. Well, actually more of an annoyance than anything-but a necessary evil. We were tired Sunday and didn’t hang around for our usual round of visiting after church.
We decided to have brunch at a small coffee shop. The noon rush had not yet begun but it was packed out. There were just a few servers available. I don’t know why they had a small number—could be the space would not accommodate more.
They were working very hard and being very cordial and polite. Our server apologized for our having to wait even though it was just a few short minutes. Our wait time was probably shorter than a drive through.
There was a very nicely dressed couple behind us. We assumed they were in there Sunday best; at least from outward appearance. I overheard them ask the frazzled server if she would give them a complimentary meal because they had to wait. She was taken aback for a second but never stopped smiling. I on the other hand was irritated and ashamed for them.
Dan and I have always tried to be extra sensitive to service people. Even more so on Sunday. Admittedly we don’t always succeed. Generally they work very hard for very little. They may not have the luxury of leisure Sunday of worship, eating out and visiting with friends. As I am constantly reminded, “But by the Grace of God, there go I.”
We never know where life will lead us. I pray that should I ever be on the serving side of the table, I will be treated with respect and common courtesy. Sadly it is the “church” people that often are the most offensive. Dare we in our piety leave a salvation tract written on play money rather than a real monetary gift? Or do we in humility treat them in a fashion befitting a child of God?
Should you spot us behaving in a manner that would embarrass you or the person we have just worshiped, call us on it. Let us pray for each other to remember to treat others better than we think we deserve. Help us Lord, to not just go to church, but be the church to everyone we meet.
And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.
Luke 6:31
2 comments:
Hi Linda,
This is such a beautiful post. Every word you have written by way of gentle admonition is true, and worth remembering.
How easy it is to take our Sunday (and daily) spirituality for granted. Sometimes, eating out from after church, still carrying our Bibles and wearing that pious look, we are prime targets for the outside world to judge Christianity by its "cover." We may not know it but we are being observed from a distance even by other diners. And those who wait on us are the ones we can impact directly - by our kindness, and considerate manners... and of course, by our generosity.
I have not been a regular reader of your blog, but this morning, it was such a delight to have dropped by, "sit" with you and visit!
Love
Lidia
Blessings to you!
Post a Comment