EVER SINCE THE covid lockdown of 2020 I’ve heard companies have shortages of employees…

I am compelled to relate to you today the recent experiences I have had at two different restaurants: two different work ethics, two different outcomes.

We know of employee shortages; we know of slower service at different establishments. And, we know if we are willing to wait or leave.

A while ago I went to Perkins with my husband after church in the evening. A large group came in right after us (and we were glad they were after us.) Everyone was polite, everyone was patient. It took a little while to even get someone to greet us. A young and very professional man greeted us. He very wisely and kindly informed us they were shorthanded and it would be a while before we could even order; but, he could seat us and get our drinks quickly.

We very much appreciated his candidness. He was respectful and caring!

Selah.

We assured him we would wait and be patient. At one point during our time there, he shared with us the cooks were nervous. I believe he told us this because we weren’t arrogant nor were we rude in anyway. We wanted all the employees to know we understood.

Selah.

And: that we appreciate them!

Of course we waited a bit. Duane and I both decided to play our games while waiting and talk during dinner. I am always a planner and I love to make the best of challenges. I am the victor through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!

Selah.

Our meal was perfectly cooked. We left a tip and had nice conversations with all employees who served us. We appreciate them! And we made certain they knew it!!

Now let’s go to another restaurant with a total opposite outcome. First of all, let me say I’m not interested in going back – ever. I can tell Duane is because the food is unique and we both really savor it… However, I believe service is almost (maybe is) just as important as the food.

I’m quite the people watcher. I love to observe and always think about each one’s relationship with God. And that’s what I was doing in part after we ordered our food. I watch.

The drinks came quickly. Part of the meal came next after an acceptable amount of time. We waited for the other half of our meal…

I am very patient. I am very gracious. But anger is absolutely not wrong when you have a true reason. We waited and we waited. I was angry but I was not rude. I let Duane talk with this young man who was to have finished our service…

Before that though I asked a young woman how long would it be before our food came. You know what? She didn’t want to answer – and didn’t. She instead made a comment about checking on it. I asked her a second time; and again, she refused to answer this query. She totally dodged the question… She said something about going to find out. But you know what? I watched her. Seems like she didn’t know I was… I never saw her ask the young man or someone in the kitchen.

No. She went about other things, like drying glasses. She kept looking at other customers all over, but not us. (And by the way, she was not a new employee.)

It gets more interesting.

By this time I decided I wanted to go because I knew the rest of our meal wasn’t coming any time soon. Come to tell, it wasn’t coming at all…

Selah.

When the young man (remember: he’s the one who took our order) saw we wanted to pay and go he blamed the cook! Who is the one to make certain your order is complete and timely?

Right! The one who takes your order!

And: the lady had lied, not once, but twice.

In addition, while we were waiting and waiting, I saw the woman look all over at seated customers and customers coming in. But, she had nothing to do with us until I caught her attention.

Shouldn’t have to do that.

IN THE END: I’m done. Not so much because the service was so slow. No, no. But because they both lied.

Of course people make mistakes. My anger doesn’t come easily. But to have a very bad experience and then for not one, but two, employees to lie; this I’m not willing to accept.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO RESTUARANTS?

Remember, we were both not only understanding and patient with the first young man (at Perkins) we also were very gracious. I even remember asking him to tell the cooks not to be nervous. It’s not their fault and we decided we were willing to wait.

BUT

the second young man was a liar as well as the woman. This is bad business.

It is not wrong not to want to support people who lie. It is not wrong to be upset that not only were you waiting and waiting while others were served and you truly were being ignored. She saw us. He saw us. He had talked with us. She had talked with us. But the lies were stupid and wrong…

In your anger, do not sin.
I didn’t!

 

 

SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS FOR THIS JOY STORY!

 

Psalm 119:163
I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.

 

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

 

Proverbs 11:1
The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.

 

Colossians 3:23-25
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

 

THE LESSON:

 

1 Corinthians 15:55-58
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.