Last week, after being seated in a restaurant Mackenzie and Steve waited almost 20 minutes for water. They waited 40 minutes
for their appetizers to arrive. It was more than an hour after they ordered before their main course arrived. The service was terrible. So the couple decided to tip their waiter $100 for the evening. How crazy is that?
Mackenzie and Steve used to work in the restaurant business. They understood the challenges their server faced that night. He was looking after 12 tables and handling the bar. He was run off his feet. Most people were not likely to give much of a tip. But Mackenzie said she remembered what it was like and wanted to ‘pay it forward.’ She wanted to encourage her server who was having a rough evening.
That’s a great picture of grace. I’m sure that in that situation I would have complained and been cheap on the tip. It helps when we can put ourselves in someone else’s situation and understand what they are going through. But Mackenzie and Steve did more than that; they acted with grace and kindness.
This is what we are encouraged to do for one another: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) I must confess that many days I forget to do this. I love it when others act this way but sometimes I am slow to act first. Often, we think that to get what we want we must be pushy and loud; don’t let the world walk on you. But our faith calls us to a different path. It’s quieter and less noticed but one that makes a huge difference.
Who needs some compassion and grace in your life today?
