It happened again.
Steve and I had just finished our meal in a local restaurant when the waitress stopped by to check on us. We’ll call her Sarah.
“How was your dinner?” she asked.
“My chicken was delicious” I enthused. And then she looked to Steve.
“Well, this could have been better,” and he indicated his plate where a third of his steak remained. “It was left on the grill a little too long,” he explained. The dark, dry cast of the meat provided the undeniable evidence.
Sarah’s smile morphed into furrowed concern. “Oh, I am so sorry,” she exclaimed. “We have a new guy training on the grill tonight. He clearly let that steak overcook. Shall I have the chef fix you another?”
“No,” Steve replied. “That’s okay; I had enough.”
“Well, if you’re sure…Thank you for being so nice about it. I just took back five steaks from one table. They were not happy.”
“As a pastor for forty years, I know how people can be sometimes, forgetting their manners when they feel wronged. But this isn’t your fault,” Steve asserted.
Sarah nodded. “I’ll get your check,” she announced and dashed off.
Upon her return, Steve handed Sarah her tip in cash.
Now those of you who know Steve may guess her reaction to what she received, because he’s always been a very generous tipper. It’s part of his mission to be God’s agent, blessing other people in the name of Jesus (Matthew 25:40).
But Sarah’s response was a surprise. She began to cry. We could tell Sarah wanted to say something but she couldn’t speak for a moment.
“You don’t know what this means to me,” she choked. “I know God brought you in here tonight. It’s my fifth anniversary today for being sober, but it’s been a difficult day—not much of a celebration.
“When you said you’d been a pastor, I felt like God was saying he knows what I’ve been through. He sees the progress I’ve made. And now this.” Sarah indicated the bills in her hand as the tears continued to flow.
Now my eyes started to fill. To think: God had used us at just the right time to honor this young woman for her faith and perseverance.
“Well, you have to know,” Steve continued, “as a pastor, and Nancy here, a teacher, we didn’t make a fortune during our working years. But God has blessed us over and over and we just want to bless others—like you.”
“Thank you so much,” Sarah enthused. “I will never forget this.”
Steve and I won’t forget that encounter either. Surely as we left the restaurant our faces glowed as much as Sarah’s with the supreme joy of affirming her.
And Jesus’ beatitude that Paul quoted was proved yet again: It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
In the last few years, scientific research has confirmed those words of Jesus. Now we know that generosity:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases self-esteem
- Lessens depression
- Lowers stress levels
- Contributes to longer life
- Increases happiness, as the “feel-good” chemicals of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are released.*
But that’s not all. When we give what we have, it may prove to be a treasure.
Our gift to Sarah returned a treasure to us of sublime satisfaction and euphoria—results far beyond what we expected. But Sarah’s gift of honesty and appreciation certainly blessed us beyond what she expected also.
https://www.azquotes.com/quote/539952
“Give what you have.
To someone, it may be better
than you dare to think.”
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
* https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/
Art & photo credits: http://www.unsplash.com; http://www.pixfuel.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.azquotes.com.
From the Inside Out 
Now I’m crying. ❤❤
Sarah has that effect on us, doesn’t she!
Absolutely wonderful, Nancy!
Honesty tied in with meekness and generosity opened the door for a blessing on both ends of the proverbial table. Hallelujah!!
Thank you, Deandra. I love your summary statement for the event!
What a beautiful witness. God is so good and faithful and to be involved with His witness and outreach, is a never ceasing abundant blessing to both the giver and the receiver. Love to you both, Janet
Thank you, Janet. Well said, my friend. Perhaps His witness and outreach from our encounter with Sarah will reach others beyond that restaurant conversation. And you’re right: the blessing will certainly be “never ceasing” for us, because every time we remember it, the joyful glow will return to our spirits!
Nancy, reading this assured me that my prayers are being answered. I ask God every night to bless you and Steve as you continue to minister in His Name. I miss you both but am so happy that you still minister to me through this blog. Thank you, my dear friend, and may God continue to bless you both abundantly.
Oh, thank you Ruth for your sweet encouragement. This incident offers proof that your prayers for us are being answered–affirmatively!
Such a beautiful story! I also didn’t know that generosity had health benefits! It amazes me how obeying God’s commands improves our physical health in addition to being the right thing to do.
I didn’t know about the health benefits either until recently. Isn’t it delightful when secular research proves what scripture has taught all along?
It made me cry, too. It reminds me of the sign in my kitchen, “You Never Regret Being Kind!” … The kindness of our God, who gives and forgives, despite. You were the perfect witnesses to Sarah. THANK YOU for sharing. It’s wonderful to read good news these days 🙂
Thank you, Heidi–my pleasure to provide good news for you!
Hi Nancy,
Jesus knows how everything we do allows Him access into life, our life and others around us. Thanks to you and your hubby for being generous.
In Christ,
Gary
When we get a glimpse of Jesus’ work through us and around us, it IS thrilling! Thank you, Gary.
Great story and insight Nancy. God surely is creative about how He blesses.
Amen to that, Gary!
Yes!
Thank you, Mitch!
wow this story gave me goosebumps – we witness to others all the time but most of the time,don’t know the impact. Your story is encouraging.
So glad you found goosebump-encouragement here, Jean!
A perfect example of how the Lord blesses others through us when we allow the sweet spirit of Christ to influence our actions. Allowing God’s goodness to work through us goes far beyond what we could ever imagine. Beautiful story, Nancy!
Praise God for the beautiful moment that precipitated the story!
Beautiful story Nancy! What a blessing when we can touch another’s heart and life in such a deep way. Praise the Lord!
Indeed, Sheila. Touching another’s heart provides a blessing that defies description!
It really does! To both parties and to the Lord’s heart!
Very Heartwarming Nancy. Most times in our lives we never know how Christian kindness touches others, but when we do, it really touches us. Thanks for sharing your story and continued prayers for you and Steve.
Thank you, David, for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Also greatly appreciate the prayers. We are doing well!
A beautiful story of a lady being extremely appreciative and Steve making that happen
God bless all 3 of you.
Thank you, Laura!
Wonderful story on kindness. Bless you! 🙂
Thank you, Nanchi. I’m delighted you found the story wonderful. Praise God for the encounter with Sarah that made the story possible!
Beautiful and encouraging. Thx Nancy!
I’m so glad you thought so, Diane. Praise God for the experience and the words with which to share it!
Thanks for posting this blog about generosity, Nancy I seldom go out to eat much anymore but it reminded me how cruel church members can be. They complained about almost everything and some left very little tip. God Bless Steve for having a kind and generous heart. What a blessing. Sam
A number of years ago, a group of Christians seated near us in a restaruant left a tract on the table as their tip. We may not have known about it, but our waitress took care of them too and mentioned it to us. Steve tipped for them. That gave our dinner guest a chance to share his miraculous testimony. I prayed for her a long time, but we never saw her again. (More seed-planting!)
Thanks Nancy
What a lovely story, especially when, for some of us, dining out is a memory. 🙂 It’s so good to hear your voice again today, my friend. Thank you.
Are you referring to our isolation, due to the corona virus, or can’t you eat out at all? If it’s the latter, I am so sorry, Laurie! It IS a pleasure we take for granted until we’re unable to go. Hopefully we’ll be able to return to our favorite restaurants come summer. And hopefully they’ll be able to reopen!! (The economy is going to need a miraculous, God-driven recovery!)
Nancy, thanks for your caring question. Take-out and drive-through options only are allowed where we live. And yes, won’t it be something to witness and hopefully play a small part in “God-driven recovery”!
My precious friend, I’ve always been touched by Steve’s generosity and gentle spirit. We witnessed it first with you two at Mama Mia’s all those years ago. These lyrics https://is.gd/xw1P0g remind me of the ripples that come from one gentle unassuming act done in Jesus name. We love you abundantly. Micki
Thank you for your sweet words, dear friend. I haven’t thought about those Ray Boltz/ words for a long time. One day we will thrill to learn about all those ripples, won’t we? Praise God he can take our two mites worth of good deeds and multiply their impact over and over. P.S. Sure wish we could find another Mama Mia’s!! 🙂