The parson pulled up the chair at the end of the table where were gathered a baker’s dozen relatives. The table was tucked away in the corner of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. The family luncheon was in celebration of the baptism of the thirteen-year-old niece.
The parson took note of the name of the server who greeted them. She asked who wanted what to drink. In turn, around the table each gave her their preference. “I’ll be right back,” she said and scurried away through the crowded tables.
In a surprisingly short period of time she returned and quickly distributed the drinks around the table, remembering each person’s order. “Thank you, Leigh Ann,” said the parson.
“My pleasure,” she replied.
And then she took the orders for food. Once again she deftly navigated among the tables, headed for the kitchen, leaving the family to banter about each other’s foibles. The parson, in a moment, noticed someone standing beside him. It was Leigh Ann. She was patiently waiting to speak, obviously not wanting to interrupt. When she spoke she said, “I’m sorry this is taking so long, but I’m trying to hurry them up.”
The parson thanked her and looked at his watch. It was not taking too long.
Soon, Leigh Ann brought the food and again distributed the plates among the family members without asking who got what. The parson said, “Thank you, Leigh Ann.”
“My pleasure,” she replied. She disappeared again after promising to check on the group in a moment.
In a moment she did check. Not too long after that she checked again. Glasses of beverage never reached half-full, plates hosting breads were never diminished. Empty plates quickly disappeared. In short, Leigh Ann was the perfect example of what a food server should be.
Lunch over, the group stood to leave. Leigh Ann approached again. The parson said, “Thank you again, Leigh Ann.”
Leigh Ann placed her hand on the parson’s shoulder and replied in a way that captured the parson. “Oh, thank you, it was a blessing that I could serve you.”
The parson stared as she walked away. He felt humbled. He was convinced she meant every word. And in the certainty he was blessed.
...and you pass that blessing on
Posted by: mmp | April 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM