It’s interesting how certain, seemingly inconsequential moments strike me. I had one of those experiences just a few days ago. And since then, I can’t stop thinking about it and other moments like it.

So, it was lunchtime. I was hungry. I decided that I would stop and grab something at the local Burger King. (Yes, I know, I need to make healthier dietary choices. Stop judging! 😉) I pulled up to the drive-up speaker and placed my order. Minutes later, I was at the window, poised to collect my calorie-laden burger and fries…with a full sugar Coke, thank you very much! The pleasant server at the window handed me my sustenance and I returned some cash. (I told you, it’s a seemingly inconsequential moment.) As I handed her the cash, I said, “Keep the change.” Being super busy at the moment, I don’t believe she heard me. She completed my order and attempted to hand back my change. “You can keep the change,” I said politely.

“But it’s a $10!” she replied.

This. This is the seemingly inconsequential moment I have been thinking about constantly over the past several days. I was struck by this woman’s response. It was as if nobody had ever given her a tip for her positive attitude, her excellent service, or for simply showing up to work that day! She was grateful and astounded by what I had just given her.

Let’s hit the pause button for a moment…

I am reluctant to write about my experiences when it can be construed that I am trying to make myself look good, or to be super generous. This is not the point I am trying to make! With that in mind, please read on…

I’m not certain where it comes from, but I have a heart for people who serve others. It might be from my own experiences serving in my chosen career. It may be from seeing the positive examples in my life like my pastor, friends, and coworkers who give of themselves. It may also be a response to seeing the negative examples in my life…like watching a fellow guest at a restaurant, after being served by truly hard-working waitstaff, get up from the table and leave an obligatory $1 tip without considering the excellent service. More likely, my heart for those who serve comes from a combination of this stuff. And in the midst of a pandemic-induced worker shortage, my heart for those who show up for work and serve anyway only grows.

So is there a point here? I hope so! 🙂 Here it is…

We can do better, friends!

Those who serve us should not have to be astounded by a simple gift! And before you go there, this has nothing to do with money. Yes, a gift can come in the form of money; and if you are so blessed, consider being more generous with it. But a gift can also come in the form of a heartfelt “Thank you!” or an “I appreciate you!” (Please notice the YOU and not it in this statement…there is a huge difference between the two.) It can also take the form of a little extra grace when your over-worked server makes a simple mistake. It can, and should, also begin with identifying who a server is. Here are a few examples that come to mind…

Your barista, restaurant waitstaff (including fast food servers), mailperson, Amazon delivery driver, front desk hotel staff, public servants (police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, etc.), barber/hairdresser, pastor, gas station clerk, etc…

(When is the last time you considered leaving a $5 bill and/or telling your gas station clerk how much you appreciate them showing up to work, or for their smile, or both? I assure you, a simple gesture like this will likely astound them!)

Let’s stop astounding those who serve us, friends! Let’s dial up our kindness and generosity so much that a $10 bill or another expression of appreciation doesn’t have to leave our servers literally speechless!

Thanks for reading! And in line with today’s text, I truly appreciate you for reading and being a part of this little community!

Be well, and stay healthy…

P.S. If you have a story to tell and would like to join Jim Ladiski Writes as a guest blogger, please contact me!