Outside the Press Box :: Dr. David Davis

    My daughter Lexis has been working at Chick-fil-A for about four months. It has been an interesting experience to say the least. She has met some very kind people who compliment her effort and sweet spirit. She has met those who don't have time to notice anyone else but themselves -- and it is usually expressing their ingratitude because something wasn't done right or didn't meet their timetable. Either way -- they don't make many people happy in their presence.
    A few weeks ago, Lexis came home and told me that something happened at work that made an impression on her. And -- I must admit it did me too because I had never heard of anything like this happening.
    She was working the drive thru window and she said a lady pulled up to get her order. She gave Lexis her money to pay for her order and then asked, "How much is the order in the car behind me?" Lexis told her and the lady said, "Then pay for their order too!"
    Lexis ask the lady if she knew them and she said no and drove away.    When the next car pulled up to the window -- Lexis told them that the lady in front had paid for their food. When she gave them their order, the surprised young man in the car ask, "How much is the order behind us?" Lexis told them so the young man paid for the car behind him and drove away.
    The next car went through the same process of being told that their order had been paid for by a complete stranger -- so that car paid for the car behind them.
    When the next car pulled up to the window and was informed their order had been paid for -- they looked behind them as if they wanted to keep the good will going -- but to their disappointment -- no one was behind them so they thanked Lexis and drove away with a meal paid for by a total stranger.
    Lexis was really impressed with the whole process and said, "Why can't people be more generous and caring?"
    I'm not sure I have the answer for that -- but I know it all starts with just one person doing something kind for another without expecting anything in return.
    I remember this past spring eating at Big Humphrey's and I noticed two little ladies sitting together and enjoying a meal. One reminded me of my mother and I told the waitress that I wanted to pay for their meals, but please don't tell them it was me.
    Someone ended up telling them at the cash register and they came to my table to thank me. We ended up talking for a while and I found out both were sisters and widow ladies. One of the ladies was married to a former Pearland city councilman. We ended up knowing some of the same people -- had a few laughs -- and they went on their way with a big smile on their face.
    I would have missed getting to know them -- just for those few moments had I not paid for their meal. They said it made their day -- but, in truth, they made mine.
    It's amazing what can happen when we just look around and decide to be a blessing to someone. Life is too short not to bless others...think about it!
    E-mail: drdd@swbell.net <http://us.f829.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=drdd@swbell.net>