One evening while working at my local restaurant, I had an experience that I couldn't comprehend within my own view until I saw the situation through the eyes of Christ. Like any waitress/waiter, I was taking care of my tables, filling up cups when they were empty, bringing those extra sauces needed to enhance the taste of the chicken strips, and whenever customers were finished, I cleaned off the table. As the restaurant was approaching closing time, I had one couple left sitting.

After a small rush including children's meals, I had quite the mess to clean up after. But, being a waitress doesn't just entitle me to receive tips without working for them. While I was in the process of preparing a table for the next family, I heard a comment from that last table in the restaurant; "wow they sure left her a mess, some people need to learn manners." Normally, I would have laughed and agreed, but not this night.

This particular night, I saw the importance of witnessing through waitressing. It wasn't about how large of a mess they left me, it's what they took away from the table despite the meal or mess, it was about the message. Within the ketchup stains on my jeans from the little children's plates, or the countless straw wrappers all mushed in the food, I just smiled and thanked God for the opportunity to share His presence. Little did I know I'd be sharing my testimony with this table that seemed to be annoyed with the small children's' appearance, but that's just it. With every single table, customer, and to-go order, there is a new chance to share any type of message, but offering these individuals with eternal value is what matters.

"The verb powers the whole sentence. With the verb, you create a mood and an image." -Heather Holeman

Before a customer leaves the table they frequently have the choice of taking the leftovers off of their plate home with them or just leaving it. I hope that the leftovers they take are more substantial to the fact they won't even fit in our largest to go box.

By having an effervescent vocabulary, and the love of Christ within the root of my stagnated sentences, I can share the love of Christ through the service of being a waitress. I can walk away each night with more than a pocket full of tips, but rather a heart full of joy because of His will being done in the midst of my rush hour.