Here's an interesting little story. Like a parable come to life.

Yesterday, I was in Whitby waiting for the GO bus north to Port Perry. I had an hour to kill, so dipped into a cozy, family type restaurant for a quick lunch. There were two waitresses manning the tables. I noticed the one serving me was a take-charge type of young woman. Perhaps she was the senior of the two, but regardless I was struck by her efficiency, her speed and her manner. All of those qualities added up to an excellent experience. After eating half of my insanely huge turkey sandwich, I turned my head imperceptibly to try and catch my waitress's eye. I couldn't see her anywhere, but as if by magic within seconds she appeared at my table and asked if I wanted a box for the uneaten half of my meal and the bill. Opening the wallet, I saw the whole lunch came to $11.84. I dug into my pocket and slipped a 20 inside. Again, she popped back to my side and offered to get change. I told her not to bother. I didn't know what was going to come out of my mouth next, but this is what I said, "I'm enrolled in a small business program and what I noticed most was your devotion to excellence, so keep the change." She blushed bright pink, said thank you ma'am and looked like she had just been given a gift. And I know it wasn’t the money that she was clasping tightly in her hands....it was the unexpected praise and acknowledgement of a job well done.

Now, two things. I can't afford to be throwing away money like that.
Secondly, about a month ago, I was traveling north again, and while I didn't have an hour to kill, I did have some time and badly needed a restroom. I went to the same restaurant and met the very same girl who told me they're not allowed to let people off the street use their facilities. I was not only indignant, but desperate, and snapped at her to sell me a Coke then so I could use the bathroom. When she told me it was $2.99, I hit the roof and asked her for the cheapest beverage on the menu. It was a coffee. I didn't want a coffee.

I paid the $1.25, told her to give the coffee to someone else, used the washroom and huffed out of there wounded to the soul. I couldn't believe that another human being could be so rigid and unkind. I understand the concept of rules, but I've also spent most of my life breaking them for a good cause. For the whole trip I was depressed and disheartened.

Luckily, I shook it off and never thought of it again till yesterday; when I saw her again. Surprisingly there was no anger. Any resentment I had for her treatment of me vanished as I observed this hard-working girl keep a busy, popular restaurant running like clockwork and giving her best with every client.

There are so many lessons here, it's staggering. For her. For me.

First impressions are not always the correct perception.
Kindness never grows old.
To paraphrase the Buddha, "holding on to anger only burns you."
Generosity of spirit should ALWAYS supercede rules.
Forgiveness blesses both the giver and the receiver.

It was a cool (if costly) experience.
But I know one thing for sure. My praise is something that young woman will be able to draw on for strength far longer than the $8.00 tip lasts.

I feel good. She feels better. What's better than that?