Two weeks ago, on a Sunday morning, we met Jesus at the Bob Evans restaurant. Yep, right there with all the other hungry, waiting customers crowding the entrance, was Jesus himself. He first showed himself as a humble, older gentleman who kindly gave up his seat for Curtis who was carrying a cranky and hungry Baby Charley. He then showed up as a sweet, talkative woman who asked LOTS of questions for the frustrated Daddy who was carrying Baby Charley...As our names were called to be seated, we kindly smiled and said our goodbyes.
Of course, who was sitting in the booth across from us?....Jesus. The kind gentleman and his talkative wife were sitting in the booth watching us awkwardly tumble into our booth with a wildly wiggly baby and two big bags full of stuff. (Think packing for a one year old on an outing to church and out to eat for lunch...bottles, food, diapers, wipes, bible, purse, toys, etc, etc...) By the time we got settled, we were exhausted and laughing at ourselves. We acknowledged the older couple and said "Hello". Before returning to their meal, they mentioned that they too had adopted two children. You could see the pride in their faces and hear it in their voices when they told how their children were now successful adults with children of their own.
We continued to "try" eating our meal while keeping our sleepy and hungry Charley from having a major meltdown. Not feeling well myself, my patience was wearing thin. So, it was taking extra effort to remember that Bob Evans was not a "happy place" for a cranky little boy. Thankfully, Curtis is somewhat of a comedian, so he kept me laughing, mostly at myself and my interactions with Charley.
Before the couple left, they stopped at our booth and talked with us a little longer. They showed an unusual interest in us, but I attributed it to our common link of adoption. It's nice to meet others who have adopted children and have experienced the things that we may encounter in the future.
A few minutes after the couple left, our waitress came to our table to refill our coffee cups. Before she walked away, she said, "Oh, by the way...the couple in the booth next to you...they paid for your breakfast. They told me not to tell you until they left." She smiled and walked away.
Curtis and I were touched by their unexpected kindness. Those people didn't know us and looking back, we probably weren't too engaging since we were busy with a fussy baby. But it didn't matter. They showed a Christ-like love to strangers.
They were Jesus. They were His love, His kindness, and His compassion.
I'm thankful that they chose to be Jesus that day.
To the strangers I meet along the way...I pray that I choose to be Jesus.
Love to ya,
Shell
