“We are God’s handiwork, created to do good works." ~ Ephesians 2:10
Harold’s grandson grabbed a booth while
he went to order some breakfast. Workers toiled through the numbness of the
job, cranking out orders like an assembly line.
McDonald's had recently installed self-service kiosks. Harold
questioned the idea of touching a filthy screen just to get in line to pay for
what he just ordered.
Working the cash register, however, was an older lady, well beyond
70 years. Platinum hair and wire-framed glasses; she looked like everybody’s
grandma. Greeting each customer with a friendly smile and a few kind words, her
warmth brightened the entire restaurant. He sidestepped the kiosk.
She laughed, patted his hand, and said, “No extra charge, Hon!”
They finished their breakfast and Harold waited for the
cashier to take her morning break. As
she walked by their booth, he motioned for her to join them and she welcomed
the invitation.
He learned from Loraine that this was a special day at the
Golden Arches. Today marked her 44th year of working for the chain. Franchise
owners were hosting a celebration in her honor complete with free coffee and
cake. A kind gesture though she’s not retiring.
“Miss Loraine,” started serving friendship at McDonald's in
1979 after her late husband retired due to a disability. He died the following
year.
She rises at 3 a.m. for her early
weekend shifts. Customers say that she’s the only one who makes oatmeal
correctly. “They’re my life,” she offered. “I’ve traveled with them, gone to
ball games with them. They’re friends, not just customers. They were my life
savers when I lost my husband.”
I'll bet you could teach these kids a thing or two,” Harold
suggested.
“We learn from each other,” Loraine quickly countered. “I
tend to think longer term and know what it means to commit through thick and
thin. I “know the ropes” and am happy to pass along what I know about interpersonal
skills like common courtesy and team play.”
“In turn, they help me with computers and my iPhone. Their perspectives
are more diverse which helps open my eyes to the ever-changing world. They’re great
at thinking out of the box too.”
“We’re together for a reason,” she added.
Harold left the restaurant richer for the experience. It’s
funny, he thought, how we work hard for money to buy things. But the things that
matter most can’t be bought. They’re given easily and joyfully received. Love,
smiles, hugs, laughter, intimacy, happiness, joy, and connection are all free
of charge; God-given talents we give each other.
Father God, You’ve called me to thrive and
succeed in community, not isolation. May I see the true value of those You’ve
placed in my life. Show me what it means to be a real friend who helps others
succeed. Amen
