During the busy Christmas season, I tried out a different restaurant for dinner prior to going to Saturday night church service. I’ve become more accustomed to eating out alone since my husband passed last December.
Being a party of one brings with it a different response from waiters. They look at you as if there is something missing and after determining that you’re solo, try to make the best of it. I try to be friendly, but it’s hard to overcome the stereotype some cranky old ladies’ attitudes have created.
“Oh, so you’re alone. Here’s a menu. What would you like to drink?”
I watched as a visible deflation took place in my server’s face as I revealed that water would be great. She smiled a little too widely and I could just hear her thoughts: “Here’s a cheapskate. This tip will be minimal.” I get that attitude, since my son is a waiter and needs that money for making ends meet.
The chill in the air was palpable and following my order, I was left to my own devices. She would pass my booth without a glance, putting on a warm welcome for the greater potential of the nearby arriving family. My chips and salsa had been delivered by an underling, but the requested water was nowhere to be seen and my throat grew more on fire.
I observed another assistant who kept busy bringing in meals, checking on drinks, with a smile and a genuinely friendly attitude. He noticed my waterless state and quickly came to my rescue. After he brought my meal, he checked to see if I wanted more salsa.
It occurred to me that his motivation couldn’t be more different than my waitress’s. I noted her friendly, even flirtatious attitude with other customers nearby whose orders indicated better financial benefits, while my hero seemed an equal opportunity servant.
I didn’t know the etiquette for remuneration in this situation, but had a desire to reward good behavior. My neglectful waitress suddenly grew concerned with my needs as payment time drew near. I could have rewarded her inattention with a penny tip but gave a little more than 20%.
Now, how should I provide encouragement for the servant-minded man? I drew his attention and placed a folded bill into his hand while I expressed my thanks for his good work. He smiled and opened the door for me, gentleman to the end.
It made me realize that if I could receive such a positive impression from someone with a servant’s heart in half an hour’s time, what influence could such an attitude have on our world over a lifetime. To serve others freely despite any hope of payback is our job as Christians, to show the heart of Christ. It creates a difference that just one person can make, which can impact one other person, who affects another and another. Who knows what servant attitudes can minister to others over time.
This Christmas I’m going to keep this idea in mind as the seasonal push starts to bother me. I will keep a servant heart throughout as my Merry Christmas wish to all.
Merry Christmas to All!
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
