I’m sorry this is late, but I’ve had a bizarre week so far. I went in for blood work last week, and asked my doctor’s office to let me know how it turned out. So, on Friday he called me and told me that my blood work had proved, yet once again, that my numbers are still good. The blood thinner I am taking has my blood at a “perfect consistency”. I continue to thank God for taking care of me. Remember, next week I’ll be in DC. Pray for me. This will be the first time I’ve been on a plane since my surgery and I’ll be without my “primary care giver” (my wife Debbie). And I am a little uneasy about it. But, I’ll make it just fine… I’ll make it just fine…I’ll make it just fine… I’ll make it just fine. (Nope… I’m not quite convinced!)
This morning I had an opportunity to change the course of a person’s day, and I’m glad I took the opportunity.
I went to breakfast at one of my favorite local cafés. As I prepared to leave my server was telling her co-workers about “the man in the orange sweatshirt” who had stiffed her on a ticket. She repeatedly complained about the man and the fact that he took advantage of her by walking out without paying. Quite frankly, I was growing tired of her constant haranguing. But, I still felt bad for her. I wondered if she had to pay any ticket that she allowed to “walk” without paying.
As I approached her I handed her more money than my meal and tip would have amounted to. She started to get my change, but I stopped her. I said, “I can’t really do much about the fact that the guy walked out without paying, but I can make a difference about the tip he should have left you.” And with that I handed her the money in my hand.
A very surprised look crossed her face, and she said, “Oh, no… you can’t do that!” I assured her I could, and that I wanted to help make it up to her. I added, “I hope your day goes better!” As I exited the restaurant I heard her say to her co-worker, “Hey, now you won’t believe what this guy just did!”
It wasn’t much, but my actions validated her as a person. Rather than seeing herself as a victim of a “walking ticket” maybe she was able to see herself in a more positive light.
Five extra dollars wasn’t much, but it changed her day, and honestly, it changed my day too.
Now, YOU have a good day!
--Bob
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7 comments:
my cousin works at that local fav of yours and I offten wonder if you know who she is... her name is candy and she is a short girl who is older and if i know her it was probley her who was crabby about the guy who stiffed her... so even if it was not her it could have been and belive me when I say she needs someone to make a good impression on her... so I would like to thank you for going out of your way to make someone elses day better! ( oh yeah if you know who she is you can tell her how you know me :)she knows all about the club)! have a great day Bob and Im glad your blood count is doing so well! and tell your caregiver i said hello!!
Robert, I am touched by your thoughfulness today. Touched, but not surprised. It is Christ shining through you!
It would have been so easy to say "Oh, really Prunella, try walking in my shoes before you complain."
You did make a difference to her day, and mine, as well.
Love it!
When we allow Christ to move in our daily actions, like you did, it is an entirely different kind of:
"SHOCK and AWE"...I can just see the expression on her face right now (Heh!) - Thanks for sharing the great experience. So glad to hear that your reports continue to be good. We pray for you each day, and have been lifting up your DC trip in prayer as well. It will be blessed!
Love,
Randy (and family)...
:-)
Bob, you continue to amaze me with your positivity (is that a word?) Maybe you started a "pay it forward" in the restaurant with the waitress. I am praying that your trip goes smoothly and uneventfully.
Love, Teresa
Bob, I just wanted to let you know that you have been on my heart. I am praying for you to have a safe trip. I am also continuing to pray for complete healing!
Love and Prayers,
Holly
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