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| Leftover Shrimp and Steamed Rice. |
Pointing Out Pitfalls.
I’d like the shrimp, I told our server. Can it be broiled without any fat?
For a moment she looked puzzled. Is a little olive oil okay? She asked, tentatively.
A little, sure. I’m on a diet.
Oh! Got it. We can also do steamed spinach or steamed corn with no added fat.
Thanks. Spinach sounds great. And steamed rice.
To drink?
Water.
That’s good for your diet, too!
This ordinary-sounding exchange made an extraordinary impression on my heart. Did you hear it?
Our server didn’t want to ask nosy questions. Maybe I had gallbladder problems. Maybe my family had a history of heart disease. Maybe I just didn’t like the taste of fat. She couldn’t be sure.
So she invited me, tactfully, to tell her why. And once I explained my train’s destination, she jumped right on board. She offered suggestions that weren’t on the menu, but would suit my goals. She applauded my choice to drink water.
She helped me.
This kind server taught me two lessons that night. First, she reminded me to attend to people in conversation. I know, it’s just plain good manners, but how often do I catch myself distracted while someone talks to me, especially if it’s as simple an exchange as ordering dinner? But if I hadn’t been listening, I would have missed her gentle inquiry into the reason for my request.
Second, she helped me remember that God lends His aid through many channels.
Including sympathetic servers in seafood restaurants.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
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