Who doesn’t love going out to lunch? For many of us at Grace Church, grabbing a meal after service on a Sunday has become a cherished tradition. Whether it’s indulging in the Mediterranean salad at Park Place, savoring the fried pickles at Gas Light, or treating ourselves to something delectable from The Saw Shop or Reds, each visit is an opportunity to enjoy good food and fellowship.
But have you ever paused to consider how you treat the person serving you during this outing? Imagine bumping into your server at church. How would you feel? Would you remember the kindness you extended, or would you reflect on a moment of impatience?
It’s easy to let the excitement of a long-awaited meal cloud our compassion. Sometimes, we find ourselves waiting longer than expected for our order, or perhaps our server doesn’t acknowledge us right away. It’s frustrating yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently.
The Bible instructs us in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This verse serves as a reminder that our actions should reflect the love and grace we receive from God.
Sadly, many servers prefer not to work the Sunday shift, and it’s often due to the reputation that churchgoers have in restaurants. Over the years, I’ve heard from numerous servers that customers fresh from a church service can be the rudest patrons, demanding and leaving below-average tips. This is disheartening, considering that these moments present a perfect opportunity to live out our faith.
Think about it: the server you encounter may be working out of necessity, perhaps as a single parent or someone striving to make ends meet. They deserve our kindness and understanding.
So how can we ensure we’re shining our light during these lunch outings? Here are a few simple yet impactful ways: Be Patient and Understanding: Remember that your server may be juggling multiple tables. A little patience goes a long way. Start with a Smile: A warm smile can change the atmosphere. It makes both you and your server feel more comfortable. Engage in Conversation: Take a moment to ask your server how their day is going. Genuine interest can brighten their day. Offer Kind Words: If your service is exceptional, let your server know. A compliment can be a wonderful encouragement. Generous Tipping: Show your appreciation through your tip. A generous gesture not only rewards good service but also reflects Christ’s love. Pray for Them: If the moment feels right, offer to pray for your server. This simple act can create a meaningful connection.
By embodying these principles, we can transform our lunch outings into opportunities for ministry. Let’s lead by example and demonstrate that being a follower of Christ means extending love, kindness, and generosity to those around us. How awesome would it be if restaurants in Lake County eagerly looked forward to the Sunday shift the most because of how loving and generous the Sunday patrons were?
As we gather after church, let’s remember the true essence of our faith—showing Christ’s love not just within the walls of our church, but also in the restaurants where we gather. Together, let’s shine brightly and make a difference, one lunch at a time!