INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday I grabbed breakfast at a place I’ve never been. To say the place was busy might be a bit of an understatement. Now as I share this story in today’s little blog, let’s remember how difficult it is to get help these days. We’ve all seen, experienced, or at the very least discussed the challenge of getting and keeping team members.

Well, yesterday morning I witnessed the most amazing team of workers in this little restaurant. The place was packed and EVERY SINGLE server, food expeditor, or busser of a table, was HAPPY! I mean this team was moving like a well-oiled machine. It was truly fascinating to watch. They all moved throughout the establishment at a humming pace. They were incredibly efficient, totally attentive to their customers, to all customers, joked with each other, said “Good Morning”, and said “thank you”. It was the BEST experience I’ve had in a restaurant in as long as I can remember.

When it came time to pay, I heard my server tell another table to just “Scan the QR code there on the table to pay your bill”. It was at that point that I thought, “Oh, I found the one and only strike against the place”. Ya, I know technology is all the rave, but you all know me, I’m old school and ok with being so. Well, the gentleman at the table next to me simply asked the server when she came to clear his table, “May I pay with cash?”. The server smiled and said, “Absolutely Honey, I got you!”. The gentleman then shared with me that he worked in the service industry and he knows that, even though servers are being driven to use technology and no cash, they totally prefer accepting it, as their tips are, well…theirs. I thanked him for asking her if cash was ok and thanked him for the insight.

Well, when it was time for me to leave, I too explained that I would like to pay with cash, and that same server smiled and said, “Thank You”. She brought my bill with a smile, and I have to admit I left a very hefty tip. When she came to pick up the bill, I simply said, “Keep the change, and thank YOU and your entire team here for a truly wonderful experience!”. “You are so welcome”, she replied.

Friends, I know that pretty much whatever business you are in, the struggle to find good employees is real. However, the service industries, small businesses, and your local shops, they are really being hit hard. Keep in mind when you go to breakfast, to dinner, shop at the local grocery store, or… visit your dentist, remember, everyone is working to serve others. Take a moment to say thank you. Take a moment to tell someone you appreciate the job they did. Take a moment to tell that server, “You keep the change”, with a little larger tip than is “customary”.

You never know what challenges someone is facing. You never how your simple act of saying thank you can change someone’s day. So, today I encourage you, make a point of sharing a smile and a thank you, and hey, if you’re going through the drive-through for that cup of coffee on your way to work, consider this, that car behind you, buy their meal too 🙂 .

Simple ways to share Father’s love, service with a smile. Have a great day my friends!

1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: