The old man entered the restaurant slowly. With his head bowed and shoulders tilted forward, he leaned on his reliable cane with each slow step.
His scruffy cloth coat, patched pants, worn shoes, and warm personality made him stand out amid the customary crowd of those who ate breakfast on Saturday morning. Unforgettable were her pale blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds, big pink cheeks, and thin lips kept in a closed and firm smile.
He stopped, turned his whole body and winked at a little girl sitting by the door. She returned a big smile. A young waitress named Maria saw him go to the table by the window. Mary ran to him and said: "Here, Lord. Let me help you with that chair."
Without saying a word, he smiled and thanked with his head. She pushed the chair away from the table and, affirming it with one arm, helped him to stand in front of the chair and sit comfortably. Then, she approached the table and placed her cane against her where he could reach her.
In a soft and clear voice, he said: "Thank you, Miss. And may God bless you for your kind gesture." "Thank you, Lord," she replied. "And my name is Maria. I'll be back in a moment and, if you need anything in the meantime, just sign me!"
After finishing his generous portion of pancakes, bacon and hot lemon tea, Maria brought him the change of his account. He left her at the table. She helped him get up from his chair and behind the table, gave him his cane and accompanied him to the front door. Keeping the door open for him, she said: "We are waiting for you back, Lord!" He turned with his whole body, gestured a smile and nodded gratefully. "You are very kind," he said softly.
When Maria went to clean her table, she almost fainted. Under her plate, she found a business card with a note written on a napkin. Under the napkin was a one hundred dollar bill. The note on the napkin said: "Dear Mary, I respect you very much and you respect yourself too. It is evident from the way you treat others. You have found the secret of happiness. Your kind gestures will shine. through those who know him. "
The man she had attended was the owner of the restaurant where he worked. This was the first time she or one of her employees had seen him in person.
This story is based on true facts experienced by a friend from St. Paul, Minnesota. The note quotes the exact words on a napkin she has kept in her photo album for fifteen years.
We do not know who we can meet. A surprise could wait for us. Let's give a smile today because surprise awaits you in the corner.
Psalm 119: 12
Blessed are those who keep their testimonies, And with all their hearts they seek Him.
Proverbs 8:32
Now, then, children, hear me, and blessed are those who keep my ways.
