“Live so that others will see the good things you do in
God’s glory." ~ Matthew 5:16
As Wilson dressed for work, his
demeanor changed. He became quiet, stern
and pensive as he mentally prepared for whatever the day would bring. Ballistic vest – check! Utility belt – check! Silver shield – check! The transformation to ‘Officer’ Wilson now
complete, he headed for the local breakfast dive.
Lots of negatives about police work, he thought. Long hours, low pay, uncomfortable uniforms, and
flying bullets were bad enough.
Hollywood’s portrayal of cops as dumb, knuckle-draggers or irascible, head-thumpers
doesn’t help either.
As Wilson brought the second cup of coffee to his lips, a
twenty-something female entered the diner, looking as if her facial muscles had
gone on strike. He knew the look – chemo
fog. He had watched the love of his life fade
away a few years back. Recalling its
cruel toll, his heart sank.
Her shoulders drooped, giving the aura of one who’ spurn
even the most well-meaning attempt to strike up a conversation. She fell into her booth like a sack of dead
puppies.
She's in there, he thought, but it's as if she withdrew from
life. He wanted to reach in and tell her
it wasn't hopeless, but she wouldn’t believe him. He wanted to rekindle her passion for living but
her insides were too damp with uncried tears.
Then it hit him like a frozen puck!
Wilson called the waitress over and explained that he wanted
to buy the young lady's lunch, anonymously. Then he instructed the waitress to give her
this note when she attempted to pay her bill:
"Someone today thought you were beautiful, that your smile glowed
with excitement and your eyes lit up the world.
Today somebody cared and wanted you to know it. Enjoy the rest of your day, may God bless you
with His gentle touch."
Several minutes later the young woman asked for her check. The Officer watched discreetly as she was
told her tab had been paid for. “Why?”
she questioned. “Who?” The waitress simply handed her the note and
informed her that the gentleman who did it already left, keeping her promise
for Wilson’s anonymity.
Officer Wilson watched as she slowly read the note. Her eyes teared up, for only a moment, and
then came the smile! A huge, beautiful,
hopeful smile! Her expression lit up the
room and she sat up straight, not caring who saw her.
Wilson kept his grin concealed for now. Cops have the ability to affect lives simply
based on what they do or how they treat others, he reasoned. Whether it's by helping change a tire,
showing empathy at a crash scene, or helping see that justice is served for
crime victims, he reminded himself that they took the job because they wanted
to help others. Today would be a great
day!
Dear God, each of us have been gifted great
purpose! Use me to appreciate and
inspire; to affirm and love categorically.
Remind me to point them toward You in Jesus’ name. Amen
