I thought about giving this the title “Jerks” but thought that might not be very nice.  Sadly, the two people who need to read this will never highly unlikely ever set eyes on it.  One, because they may have trouble reading it; and two, they would probably think it has something to do with everyone else but them.

HERE WAS THE SCENARIO…

 Sunday after worship we will, 99% of the time, go out to eat with some folks from the church.  Sunday was no different as we made our way to a pizza buffet (yeah, I know about the waistline thingy, but I was good).  Our waitress was super nice, smiled, and checked up on our drinks.  In walks this couple who take a table two down from us, but facing the TV.  NASACR had been on, but with the rain delay the restaurant changed it to the IU basketball game.  Next thing I hear is this couple, let’s call them Frick and Frack, complaining to the waitress about how they wanted to watch the race not basketball; were going to leave; and they weren’t going to pay for their meals.  So she politely tells them to give her a minute or two and she will see about changing it.  From the time it takes her to get to the counter they leave…a table full of salads and pizza already put on their plates from the pizza bar.

What was embarrassing was they had come from church and he had one of those “Jesus Loves Bikers/Unchained Gang” types of jackets on.  I confess: I was fuming.  Not because I am always the perfect example for Jesus, but because they did that waitress wrong!  Dead wrong.   She didn’t change the channel from racing to basketball.  She only worked there.   Ironically, she had them change the station back to the race, but the “people” were already gone.  When it was apparent they left and IU was still playing (and winning), one of the waitresses asked loudly if anyone cared if they turned the ballgame back on.  One of our friends commented,  “I thought this was a restaurant not a movie theater.”

I was appalled at that couple’s jerkness behavior. So much so that I added an extra $2.50 onto my tip to help make up for what she probably would not have lost.  The couple with us added some to theirs as well.

Much is said and written about tipping and waitress-ing and church crowds.   What kind of crocky example did that couple leave with her?

AS CHRIST-FOLLOWERS WE OUGHT TO BE SETTING THE STANDARD AND THE EXAMPLE, NOT TEARING ONE DOWN!

Restaurants ought to welcome church people, not dread them.  I tip well.  Besides the fact that many are squeaking by, if I can’t afford at least a 20% tip, then I probably shouldn’t be eating out.   Any thoughts you care to share? Am I off base? Do you have any experience you can share?