Having children has changed the way I see.
I used to be able to sit comfortably in my prejudices, expecting flawless service at restaurants and expecting the person in the blue vest to know immediately where I could find the toothpicks without having to ask someone on the other end of their walkie-talkie.
I didn't see people. I saw uniforms.
And now, all I can see when the young waitress brings out our steaks is my own daughter's face. And I smile and say Everything's Fine when my baked sweet potato has cinnamon on it even though I asked for it plain. And I wonder if she's been yelled at that night...or broken a dish in the kitchen. I leave a tip without begrudging it.
And when that boy is scanning my items in Wal-Mart, I look at his name tag and wonder if he likes to ride four-wheelers in the snow in his free time. And if he hates wearing those khakis as much as my Parker would. And I think, very soon this could BE Parker.
Maybe it's because I'm getting older that everyone else looks so young.
Or maybe it's because noticing the details of my own growing-up children makes me see them in others.
So I try to be more patient. I try to make eye contact and give genuine smiles. I wipe stray crumbs into my empty plate and stack our unwanted dishes neatly. I make sure I am quick to grab the bags off the turn-table and load my own cart.
Because these aren't my children.
But they are SOMEbody's children.
But, then again, aren't we all?
"Do to others as you would like them to do to you." Luke 6:31 NLT
or
"Do to others' children as you would like them to do to yours." Luke 6:31 Paraphrase by Me
I will extend Grace. I will give love.
And I think our Father will approve.
Our Family
2 comments:
Wonderfully said! It amazes me how many things you write about remind me of my life. Lindsay used to be a waitress and has taught me to clean up the table after a meal in a restaurant and stack everything on top of the plate. :) I also tip very well because of her experiences. The amazing way I relate to your stories proves to me that your blog would be a bestseller--I know so many other moms would relate as well.
Yes, we tip better, and much more consistantly since several of 'our girls' have been waitresses. I also totally agree with rachastin that you should write a book. i know the competition is keen, and publishers can be dismissive, but it can't be any harder than valedictorian, or Magna Cum Laude. Persistance pays. It would inspire many moms, young and old. MOM
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