But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22)
It is a wonderful feeling to make someone else’s day. I recently had an experience that made me realize how true this is.
I was staying at a hotel, where I went down to breakfast at 11 a.m., not realizing the buffet had closed at 10:30. The waitress told me she could get me something from the kitchen, so I ordered a plain omelet to keep things simple. As she walked away, the buffet chef offered to cook it instead and I went over to ask for additional vegetables that I would like included.
When the waitress came back and saw what the chef was doing, she told her it was not what I had ordered. They were both confused. When I overheard their conversation, I immediately let them know that they were actually both right. I sat back down and felt a prompting to do something nice for them. I decided to give them both a tip even before I received the bill.
That act of kindness was a surprise to them, and it brought a smile to their faces. I could tell they were not used to being appreciated in this way. When the waitress came to pick up the check, she told me how I had been such a pleasure to serve. It was a very simple gesture of kindness, and I had no idea that it would have the impact that it did.
People in places of service are often unappreciated. I know it is not intentional. Many times we are in a hurry or frustrated or tired, especially when we have had a long day. But it is so easy to be nice to others and to show appreciation for those who serve us.
My prayer point challenge to you is to ask you to pray for opportunities to show kindness to others for what they do. A simple “thank you” is sometimes all that is needed. I also pray for God to continue to show me people who need a lift in their day.
God has given us fruit to share with others. It is not for us to keep, but to give away. I thank God for the prompting of the spirit that brought such joy to a waitress and a chef.
God bless you!
