I didn’t have much time. It had been a busy day, and it was only 2 p.m. It was Christmas Eve, and I’d planned to work, but my daughter wasn’t feeling well, and I offered to keep an eye on my granddaughter so my daughter could rest. We played and read and snuggled until my son-in-law got home, then I hustled out the door.
I wanted to attend two Christmas Eve services, the first of which was out of town. I’d head straight back to town for a worship service at my home church. That left barely enough time for a quick change and drive through meal.
I wasn’t thinking about places closing early, so I was thankful I stopped when I did. The restaurant would close in less than an hour. As the employee extended my drink to me, I realized it was a smaller size than I’d ordered. I smiled and kindly asked him to check my order, that I might not have said the correct size. He chuckled as he replied he didn’t need to check but would gladly give me a larger drink—and that I could just keep the smaller drink, too. No charge for the bonus drink.
Merry Christmas Eve to me.
Then he handed me food and a $5 certificate to use the following month.
Another gift.
It was small but softened my heart. I had a brief but nice conversation with the employee, and while I don’t drive through the restaurant often, when I do and he’s working, we exchange another brief but nice conversation.
Whether it’s a holiday or busy for some other reason, whether you are frustrated or irritable, pause. Interact with people with generous encouragement. Express your gratitude. Live with respect and compassion.
Gifts multiple.
Pure Purpose 