
For the last couple years, when my son has asked me what I’d like for my birthday, my response has been the same, “a date.” I don’t need anything from him, but I do want to spend time with him. Well, last Monday was the big day. I wasn’t sure how much time I’d get; I was just happy to have made it on to his calendar (not that he actually has one.)
We ended up spending the entire afternoon together – first lunch, then a movie, then to the mall to buy a birthday gift for him since his birthday is just two days before mine. Since I was feeling lucky, I even asked if we could stop at the store on the way home. I was on a roll!
While I thoroughly enjoyed the six hours we spent together, what will stay with me is what happened after lunch. Being the cheap date that I am, I had a ten dollar coupon for a particular restaurant, so we ate there. When it came time to pay, I glanced over at the check to see what he left for a tip. I wanted to make sure he tipped on the full bill rather than after the discount.
What I saw shocked me: a double digit tip on a rather inexpensive lunch! Rather than profit from the coupon himself he gave it to the waitress, leaving her a tip in excess of 50%!
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” ~ Proverbs 11:25
Both of my children work for tips; Cassie is a waitress and Ryan is a valet at a downtown hotel. Minimum wage for them is truly minimal – $2.85 an hour, so their incomes rely heavily on the generosity of others.
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: `Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.” ~ Zechariah 7:9
Ryan had compassion on the waitress and was generous because he’s in the same situation that she is in. As we left the restaurant, Ryan said, “I’ll bet I made her day!” Probably, Ryan; I know you made mine.
Father, thank you for teaching me through my children. Help me to show others the generosity and compassion that you have shown to me.
Lisa
What a wonderfully generous young man you raised!! How proud you must be. Thanks for linking this sweet post up today!