Even in the best restaurants – they still put napkins under a wobbly table.
They just use nicer napkins.
I was made aware of a wealthy family who took advantage of a couple of much lesser means. It was frustrating, because they were “legal”, but seemingly inflexible and even hurtful in their actions.
The poorer couple was selling something to pay some unexpected expenses. In the closing documents they made a simple paperwork error in their original calculations – just a couple hundred dollars on a many thousand dollar sale – and, the wealthier couple held them to their original agreement – knowing it was an honest mistake and not the understood verbal agreement. They made sure every single penny was paid.
It was a MAJOR loss for one couple. They needed every dime they could get. The extra money meant nothing in the grand scheme to the other couple – pocket change.
Of course, the wealthy was completely within their “rights”, but was it really the right thing to do?
I hate when stuff like this happens. Jesus told a similar story I seem to recall.
Shortly afterwards, Cheryl and I ate in a really nice restaurant. We were on vacation and treated ourselves to a great meal. It was one of those white tablecloth places where we had more than one waiter/waitress. You have forks you don’t – or I don’t – know how to use.
At the table next to us sat a nice, well-dressed couple, also enjoying a romantic evening. I could tell that the couple was struggling with the rocking table. It wobbled whenever they leaned on it.
What did they do?
The well-dressed man leaned over, lifted the table slightly, and stuck a folded napkin underneath the leg. Problem solved.
The two stories working together reminded me of an even greater life principle – far more important than money or wobbly tables. It’s one I hope we all remember.
While some of us may think we are better than others – when it comes to a wobbly table – we are all the same.
My mom used to say, “Everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time.”
I say, “Everyone fixes a wobbly table with a folded napkin.” (And, sometimes with packages of sugar.)
God says, “Don’t think you are better than you really are.” (Romans 12:3)
Have you been looking down others who have less than you? Maybe who don’t share your opinions or agree with your views? Have you judged people unfairly based on your expectations of them?
Be honest. We can all be guilty of it at some level.
God, continue to mold us into who you want us to be – seeing others as you see them.
