I wanna start out this post with a story. A “server” story. My server story.
On Sunday, I had a party of 20 people. The party went super well. They got everything they asked for right away, the kids meals were entered into the computer first- to come out first, all their food came out correctly, refills didn’t have to be asked for, everything they asked for (all the extra sides of ranch, ketchup, hot sauce, etc.) was brought out swiftly- nothing ever forgotten, checks split up the correct way, etc. When the meal was almost over, one lady started to be really picky and have an attitude. (if you are a server, you know the type- the person that wants to not leave a tip and “legitimize” a reason to do that to ease their conscience) All of her special demands and requests were met perfectly. It was the perfect party service- not bragging, just saying. Since she couldn’t find anything wrong, she started humiliating me while I was at the table. They paid at different times- three would pay, then two, etc. When I came out to get the last check, that lady looked and me and said that she was never going to come back to that restaurant- but, if she did come back, she was going to pray for me to have compassion. Excuse me? Oh, you know what I’m talking about, I haven’t liked your attitude this whole time, you’ve treated us like the scum of the bucket. I’m sorry ma’m, but I don’t know what you are talking about. Oh yes you do, but I don’t want to argue with you. Ma’m, I don’t want to argue either. Could you tell me what I did, so I can fix it? You wanna know? Fine. You didn’t tell us your name. You took orders from kids. You didn’t make the fries correctly. She went on to tell me that I sucked at my job. Then she said, but you have a blessed day and I’m gonna pray for you.
I am not sharing this story to get pity or make people upset. I shared it, first, because I have a lot of server friends out there that will hopefully read it, know they are not the only ones that have bad things happen to them, and maybe this blog will specifically encourage that person. I also shared because I wanted to set up a base for what I have to say now- plus, I think stories are fun. :))
Needless to say, what that lady said hurt me. What they did hurt me. The hypocrisy that she used hurt me the most. I didn’t know what to think. Why did this happen to me? Why did God let her treat me that way? Why did He let it happen on Easter sunday? Why?
And then,
Monday morning- I met with a special, beautiful lady. My mentor.
I told her about this and she talked to me about Luke 6:
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic[b] either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Who wants to love someone that hates them?
NO ONE.
Who wants to love someone that does bad to them?
NO ONE.
Who wants to give money away and not get paid back?
NO ONE.
Who wants to love someone that humiliates them?
NO ONE.
Servers- Who wants to love someone that stiffs them?
NO ONE.
But the fact is, JESUS died for them. Jesus loves them and He commands us to love them.
God lets this stuff happen to His children so He can use it! When we love the people that are enemies to us or do things wrongfully towards us- we are showing our loving Father! The Bible says to love our enemies, to love those that do wrong to us, and to show mercy. Even the unsaved can love those that are loving and kind. Our identity in Christ shows in a big way when we love those who are hateful and mean.
Be encouraged. This bad stuff happens so we can show off our GOD!!
Other workers in the restaurant saw how I responded to that situation. (besides the crying, lol) They saw that I stayed and finished my work. They saw that I didn’t back talk to the lady. They saw that I didn’t cuss the table. A lot of them commented to me how it showed character, etc. That opened the door for talking about God.
L. O. V. E.
Love is key. One characteristic God shows Himself in is love. We show our enemies love. Therefore, by deductive reasoning- thank you English 101- We show GOD to others.
<3 Ash
