Some tables are worth waiting on

It was a hectic morning at the restaurant. I had already broken out in a sweat, making me feel gross, quickly shaping my decreasing negative mood. With sore muscles and a tired attitude, all I could think about was getting out of that hell hole. I kept thinking how awful my job is when I was sat with another large table of 5.

“Ugh,” I thought to myself. My manager passes me and says, “Make sure to treat them specially.”

I quickly glanced at the table, instantly knowing that they were going to require much attention because this group was far from the normal. They were from the Make a Wish Foundation.

I was greeted by an extremely friendly lady who introduced me to the family and informed me of the little girl’s wish: A granted 2,000 dollar shopping spree at the mall. At first I was blown away by the amount she was able to spend. Jealousy soon followed at the thought of all the work it would take to make that much money. I smiled and tried to keep my calm composure.

The family – mom, dad and the daughter – practically ordered everything off the menu, being my most needy customers of the day. You know, the kind that raise their hand or yell, trying to get your attention to ask you for something, oblivious to the other tables that you are talking to. http://elitedaily.com/life/culture/servers-servants-31-things-waiter-wish-knew/632737/

Being as sincere as possible, I hoped my true feelings were not seeping through the cracks of my teeth while I smiled.

A few coworkers and I were asked to sign a card for the girl as a gift. I wrote a message yet couldn't help to think, how can I be helping this little girl? She doesn'tf even know me and we are unable to relate to due her illness. Confused, and curious, I returned the card to the Make a Wish lady.

After paying for her meal, the lady slipped me two twenties. She said, “I know how it is serving, I did it for many years, thanks for all you did today.”

After all those emotions of jealously, confusion, irritability I became aware that good things come to those who wait. I felt happy because that was a big tip for me, but I also felt like I did not deserve such a tip. I felt guilty for acting like a child and not looking at the big picture.

I think there’s many times in which we all wish for something, but in reality know it probably won’t happen to us. As we get older, our hope dwindles, our self-centeredness increases and we become hardened.

So here is my question to all the readers: how do we stop the hardening in a world that is not always fair?  How can we continuously be humble, forgiving and understanding, even when our reactions tell us differently?