Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do...

In Birmingham a couple weeks ago, Nathan and I went to church before catching our flight home. Between church and airport check-in, we had just enough time to sneak in a real breakfast. We couldn't linger over a hot cup of coffee, but we did have time for something more than a fast-food rubber egg sandwich! We headed to an Ihop near the airport. The host seated us immediately (so this is how parties of two get in and out so quickly while families of five wait forever). She handed us our menus and told us the server would be right with us.

We waited.

Our server, after several minutes, stopped by to let us know she'd be right with us. I'm fairly certain I didn't offer a "take-your-time-sweetie-we're-just-happy-as-clams-waiting" kind of look... though, I don't think I gave her the "oh-are-you-gonna-get-a-piece-of-my-mind" evil eye either. She didn't come back. More time passed and Kris, who was not our server, appeared at our table.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asked politely. Sure. We ordered our drinks. He brought them quickly, with extra lemon, and told us our server would be right with us.

He moved on, checking with a customer at one table. He stopped at another table, not his, on the way to the kitchen and bussed it, removing a stack of dishes with swift efficiency. Moments later, he came out the other kitchen door, served a family in another area and passed through the restaurant again, bussing tables, refilling drinks, all over the place. Kris moved a mile a minute, but never seemed rushed.

I checked the time and told my son, "Sixty seconds. If no one takes our order, we have to go. We won't have time to eat." Our server appeared and said, "I'll be right with you." She walked off. Again.

Work at it with all your heart...

I checked the time again. To be honest, I studied it, watching the second hand make its little trip around the dial. Just about ready to call it quits, Kris appeared again.

"I can take your order." He said it so calmly. You'd never guess how hard he worked. He gave us his full attention, as if we were his only concern. I explained we were in a bit of a rush, and he assured me he'd get our order to us quickly. We placed our order.

He didn't write it down. He looked us each in the eye, repeated our orders precisely and headed off.

Not toward the kitchen.

First he stopped at another table to check in on everyone. Then he bussed yet another table. All very quickly. Efficiently. Never rushed, though. Intriguing!

Finally, into the kitchen. Then out.

I pointed him out to Nathan, "Watch how he works. He's everywhere, but he's so calm about it."

Moments later, he returned to the kitchen and brought us our breakfast. Serving us, he asked if we needed anything else and went on his way. Again. Serving, cleaning, checking on everyone and everything.

As I took my last bite, he reappeared, asked if we needed anything else and cleared Nathan's dishes. Finished with breakfast, Kris gave us our bill.

As though serving God, and not for man.

Before he left, he paused. "Would you like a cup of water to go?" "No," we replied.

He paused. He placed his hand gently on the table. "I hope you both have a really blessed day." With a nod, he was gone. Cleaning, bussing, serving.

If you ever get to Birmingham, I hope you'll head to the Ihop at 7748 Crestwood Blvd. Ask for Kris' table.