Serving others is both beneficial, simple
Shannon Johnson
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Opinion
When the economy tanked I decided to get a second job, and despite the harsh times, one Denny's patron taught me a $100 lesson in the value of service.
After an exhausting day of serving breakfast and nursing my two aching feet, I was dismayed to see that my apron held only a handful of crumbled bills. But, despite my low spirits, advice from my mom rang in my ears.
Just a few days prior she had reminded me of a quote we've had posted on the center of the freezer door for years. "Treat everyone like they have a sign around their neck that says 'make me feel important.'" Then she added, "Forget the tip and think about how you can genuinely make them feel important, despite a reward."
I tried my best to follow this advice as began to serve an older couple who were seated in my section. After their meal I handed them their bill, wished them a good evening, and thanked them for their patience with me as I learned how to be a waitress. I began to clear their table off and go about tidying up the restaurant when the man approached me to leave a tip. I closed my hand around the money and thanked him once again as I went about my business once more. Upon realizing a few minutes later that his tip was no $10 bill, I chased him out to the parking lot.
I was shocked and baffled by the incredible kindness this man had just lifted from his wallet, and I attempted to return the money with pathetic refutes. "You served me," he said as he pushed the bill into my hand once again. As he and his wife drove away, I stood alone in the parking lot wondering how I was so blessed to meet such an angel.
With a bill less than $12 and a waitress far from spectacular, I felt extremely undeserving of such kindness. He had no idea if I needed it or even who I was when he made that decision. Did this man know that his generosity paid my phone bill, a cost I didn't have money to pay at the time?
A little piece of orange paper stays in my wallet at all times to encourage me to serve. "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves," the paper says.
After an exhausting day of serving breakfast and nursing my two aching feet, I was dismayed to see that my apron held only a handful of crumbled bills. But, despite my low spirits, advice from my mom rang in my ears.
Just a few days prior she had reminded me of a quote we've had posted on the center of the freezer door for years. "Treat everyone like they have a sign around their neck that says 'make me feel important.'" Then she added, "Forget the tip and think about how you can genuinely make them feel important, despite a reward."
I tried my best to follow this advice as began to serve an older couple who were seated in my section. After their meal I handed them their bill, wished them a good evening, and thanked them for their patience with me as I learned how to be a waitress. I began to clear their table off and go about tidying up the restaurant when the man approached me to leave a tip. I closed my hand around the money and thanked him once again as I went about my business once more. Upon realizing a few minutes later that his tip was no $10 bill, I chased him out to the parking lot.
I was shocked and baffled by the incredible kindness this man had just lifted from his wallet, and I attempted to return the money with pathetic refutes. "You served me," he said as he pushed the bill into my hand once again. As he and his wife drove away, I stood alone in the parking lot wondering how I was so blessed to meet such an angel.
With a bill less than $12 and a waitress far from spectacular, I felt extremely undeserving of such kindness. He had no idea if I needed it or even who I was when he made that decision. Did this man know that his generosity paid my phone bill, a cost I didn't have money to pay at the time?
A little piece of orange paper stays in my wallet at all times to encourage me to serve. "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves," the paper says.
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