Thursday, April 26, 2007

Random Act of Kindness - Much Appreciated

We had the coolest thing happen last night. Kim’s parents Maurice & Judy are with us on our trip to Alabama and we parked the MH (motorhome) and took the Honda CRV out to find a place to eat. Trips are fun with Maurice & Judy because they are adventurous and like to try new places to eat. It all started when we asked a local guy where was a good place to eat. He said the best sea food in the area was “The Bright Star” restaurant (304 19th Street, Bessemer, AL). The restaurant was a town or two away and his directions weren’t the best so when I thought we were close we pulled in to a ritzy neighborhood and asked a lady walking her dogs and she was more helpful. The Bright Star is a great place! Jimmy, one of the owners moved us from a back room where we were seated to bring us into the 100 year old portion of the building where an artist from Europe has painted murals on the walls and explained that this was their 100th anniversary. He brought each of us a complimentary cup of gumbo and it was great. Maurice & Judy ordered an appetizer of fried green tomatoes and we each ordered something different from the menu. Everything was just great. The house dressing was garlic cheese. It was so good I asked to buy some and the waitress gave us a small cup of it.
During the meal, our waitress, “Buffy” asked what brought us to Alabama from Indiana. We told her about the new prison ministry office we were going to and that we were donating a security system. When we were done, she told us she had paid the check. We were shocked. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. We were all greatly humbled. This was no small thing for her. I’m sure the check was close to $100.00. We were splurging to eat at such a fine place. She said we were doing our part for God and she was doing her part. She also said that seeing us following our calling inspired her to follow her calling which she’d been putting off. We left a big tip and walked out very humbled. I’ve never had anything like this happen before and will never forget it. Isn’t it interesting how our kindness impacts others? Wow, what a lesson.

2 comments:

Dave & Joyce McCreary said...

Here's to you and Buffy, too. You're right, we don't know what we mean to others...most of the time. You ment a lot to Buffy.

Let your light shine!

Dave & Joyce McCreary

Doug Moore said...

Wow - to be honest, I don't think I would have even thought of doing this when I was a waiter. (I'm not saying I never would, just that it honestly wouldn't have occurred to me). Amazing.