THE BOOTH BANDIT
My first instinct was aggravation… It’s a habit I’ve honed and polished over the years and although I’m hesitant to toot my own horn, I’m pretty good at it. There aren’t many that can jump higher than I can when I’m jumping to conclusions and even less who can fly farther when I’m flying off the handle… It’s an ugly trait that my type “A” personality comes by as honestly as one can in this fallen world. It’s like being a spoiled child, minus the cute and adorable.
As I rounded the corner of the restaurant, mid afternoon to get a quick bite to eat and scribble some ink on paper, I spotted him in my seat. He’s a regular too, but he wasn’t sitting in his regular seat. His backside was parked in mine… I didn’t say a word as I turned to sit in the next old two person booth across from the counter that overlooks the atrium; his, Mr. booth swiper’s seat.
The brown Formica table hadn’t been cleaned and there was onion smeared across the old brown imitation leather seat… enough to quell an appetite. I stood beside the booth waiting for the fairly new waitress to show back up from hiding to wipe the scrunge off the booth seat that wouldn’t have been my first choice.
The wandering waitress did finally show up in passing, feigning not seeing me standing there taking up the aisle as she rushed by. I backed up to in front of the seat stealer’s booth with the steam beginning to billow from under my collarless t-shirt.
The waitress that would have made Houdini proud reappeared with an irritated look on her face even though I was trying to disguise mine, “Can I get you something to drink?” she asked.
“Can I get this table and seat cleaned please?” I answered her question with my own.
I caught a glimpse of steam sneaking out from her uniformed collar as she turned without saying a word, looked we were about dead even. She went MIA for another five minutes as I stood beside the booth that had been hijacked by the bad man. I glanced over at the frazzled waitress standing about twenty-five feet away getting drinks for another table… I surmised a clean one.
Houdini’s great niece showed up again behind the counter across the orangish small ceramic tiles when our eyes met again, “I’m the only one here!” she called out in frustration. That’s when I remembered Lisa’s words from earlier in the day and my response to hers, “I’m going to be kind to strangers today..”
It’s interesting how powerful words are. I’ve been encouraged by every person that is going to leave a comment here today. Your words matter and carry more weight and merit than you can know. The encouragement we spend on one another doesn’t return void, for they are words from our Father and they belong to Him and come from the hearts that He indwells.
“I’ll have to get a dishrag,” she mumbled, fully out of sorts.
“Just give it to me, I can wipe it up, I’m not too proud,” I said gently and smiling. Her demeanor completely changed.
“No! I’ll get it, I know you would, I remember you,” she said kindly.
“Thank you!” I smiled, sliding into the soggy seat.
“You’re welcome,” she smiled warmly.
I felt better… I might even try to smile at the booth bandit.
Next time…
Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 7:03 pm
There aren’t many that can jump higher than I can when I’m jumping to conclusions and even less who can fly farther when I’m flying off the handle… We would have to have a contest on this one because you have described me to a T…type A all the way. Ace says it’s the natural red head in before I turned white…but he knows it the sinner rising up to get my way. Isn’t it amazing what a kind word will produce from others, such power in our words. Good for you Bill…hey we who blog are having an affect on each other. Good post brother.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 9:52 am
Looks like I’ve met my match! “The sinner rising up to get my way,” yep, I’d say that sums us up quite well, Betty. We are most definitely having an affect in a Good way! Thanks, Betty.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 7:32 pm
I must have just came from Bill site because I called you Bill, and I do know your name Floyd but so glad you two can be called “brothers.”
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 9:34 am
I was actually honored to be mixed up with Bill! I know you know me, Betty. I didn’t give it a second thought. You’re too kind!
Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 7:56 pm
This makes my heart swell, Floyd. I love how we all influence each other across the miles. I’m sure you’ll be welcomed back there anytime.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 9:54 am
Thanks for the influence you had on me that day… not a coincidence! Thanks for sharing your heart in truth, it is that kind of writing that encourages, Lisa. Thanks again!
Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 8:07 pm
Isn’t it funny how we become possessive of our seats? Even in church people can get quite ruffled under the collar if someone is sitting in their seat. 🙂 Creatures of habit we are.
I’m sure that waitress really appreciated your kind words to her when she was so flustered and over worked. Our words are so powerful and sometime we just don’t know how powerful they can be. Even a smile can do a lot. I once heard a blogger talk about a smile ministry and how he would just smile at people who looked miserable and they would most always cheer up and smile back. He said once while he was coming off a plane from a very long overseas flight, he was sore and was having a real hard time walking. He was in pain and miserable and he looked up into the eyes of a young lady who was beaming from ear to ear at him and it helped him to make it to the next boarding entrance.
I’m sure you will smile at the booth bandit and you will be pleased you did.
Blessings.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 9:56 am
We are funny about our seats! We like habit, I think that’s why many tend toward legalism in the church. As followers of Christ it is our job to give to others, I just forget sometimes and need to be reminded and encouraged. Thanks for yours, sister.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 11:45 pm
We sat in more-or-less the same seat in our Indiana church for close to 20 years. Sit in the same seats at our new church in Alaska. Went back to visit Indiana a year later, and sat in the very same seats; even parked in the same spot.
Is that habitual or territorial?
Hey, Floyd, next time, just slide into the seat with him! I’d love to hear his reaction. LOL. Proud of you for listening to that still small voice with the overworked waitress.
Blessings,
Voni
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 11:50 pm
Also thinking about how you could see him enough that you recognize him as a regular and even know “his” seat. Have you ever introduced yourself? We pass through this world without connecting so often these days.
Blessings,
Voni
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:27 am
Okay, now you’re just heaping coals on my head! Good call, Voni. I’ll make it a point to talk to him next time… Sheesh… Next thing you know there going to be naming a cathedral after me… ! Of course you’re right. Thanks for the encouragement.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:25 am
Good idea! I bet if I slid into the tiny booth he’d never even come back! I like it! You have a great mind! Of course they might arrest me too… I wish I could say it was my first instinct to be kind, but alas that would be a lie… Slow but sure. Thanks, fellow creature of habit!
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 12:11 am
This post cracks me up. We sure are creatures of habit aren’t we? When God chooses to have His way in me I often fall flat on my face not expecting that He would actually inconvenience me with these small details of life. Sometimes that is the only way He can get our attention, show up big in the small moments of life as a reminder of who is really in charge. Next time you will be full of grace and patience right? Yep, if you are one of those rare breeds that learn the lesson the first time, perfection follows. Oh my, thank the Lord for grace for we need it time and time again!
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 10:00 am
I’m not one of those rare breeds! I need to be reminded constantly! But over time we do get wiser and remember a little quicker. “Show up big in the small moments of life.” I like that, well said. Thanks, Rachael!
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 9:46 am
Funny how we feel put upon when we don’t get our way, right now.
A very honest post with a great ending
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 10:01 am
We are so easily disappointed… You’d think we’d learn by now! The flesh is truly weak! Thanks, David.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 2:15 pm
I’ve visited your blog a few times before, and I have made a mental note that it is one of the good blogs in the neighborhood that is worth visiting often. This year I am renewing my commitment to keep the blog flame alive, to do my part in being a redemptive voice for the Kingdom in this part of cyberspace. A little act of kindness begins in the heart, and what a ripple effect it produces! I am very sure that that little waitress was impacted forever by your decision to be kind to her. This post surely touched my heart this morning. It is trite to say, “Thank you for sharing,” but I do mean it.
Friday, June 20, 2014 @ 9:02 am
Good for you for following your calling, Lidia. That is an encouragement as are your words. Thanks for using all your gifts, sister. You make a difference!
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 3:11 pm
I’m glad you didn’t play the part of Jack Nicholson in “As Good As It Gets” and throw a fit. Good man, Floyd.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 4:26 pm
Too funny, Dan! I felt like it for a few minutes! Thanks, Dan.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 6:47 pm
I have a special seat in church, and one day I decided to sit on the others side of the aisle, because I had welcomed a guest and asked her where she would like to sit. She suggested down this way please.
At the fellowship time, I was asked, “Where were you today in church?” It was because they thought I should be in me regular seat. Funny how we are creatures of habit.
I hope your bandit had a good reason for taking your special seat, and if he reads this post I am sure he will take his own back. Bless Lisa for her reminder and for you remembering your comment.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:17 am
We are funny creatures indeed. I’m that way even in familiar parking lots. Thanks for all your wisdom and encouragement, Hazel. Your words are blessings.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 7:03 pm
I felt like I was right in that restaurant with you, Floyd. Your description is so vivid. And you point struck home–too often I judge without knowing the whole story. Great writing!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:19 am
You’re not alone, Pam. I’ve tried to be mindful my entire life about judging since I have been judged so often, but yet I still fail. Funny how we think we can know the heart of another like only God alone can… Thanks, Pam.
Friday, January 31, 2014 @ 8:12 pm
Oh, that evil person. I can’t believe he stole your booth!!!!! Oh, that’s right, we’re supposed to be nice. Oh, that poor guy, I suppose he needed a place to sit…. So funny reading your story, Floyd. I can just picture it. Glad you were nice to the waitress. I’m sure she appreciated it. Isn’t it interesting how we can help change someone’s mood when we’re nice?
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:22 am
It’s funny how we can come to have possessions of things that aren’t even ours! It obviously wasn’t my first instinct to be nice, but I finally remembered the words read earlier in the day. I felt accountable… and encouraged. Thanks for your encouragement as well, Barb. Glad you got a laugh out of my pain!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 6:36 am
Amazing how an attitude change will change others.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:29 am
I wonder how many other lives could be impacted if I had that type of attitude all the time? Not easy, but I’m coming around… Some of us are slower than others. Thanks, Bill.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 7:12 am
Hey Floyd! Love this! I too, was there in that restaurant with you…so descriptive!
Maybe your “Booth Bandit” has been secretly steaming over your “better” seat all along—“coveting your superior vantage point” in the restaurant? You probably had the seat with the ocean view???
Loved also, the comment above about switching aisle-sides in the church and having someone ask if they were in church that morning or not. Dave and I did the same thing. Sat in the same pew, same side, for years. One day, I just decided to switch things up and get a different view of ‘church’. We had more people ask us why? we had “switched teams”? Some even thought we didn’t like the people on the left-hand side of the aisle anymore! People crack me up!
I am not one to lose patience in public places. I always check out the server to see what kind of day they may be having. I seem to be one who smiles at strangers a lot, and calls public servants by their name on their tag. It’s my husband who always wants to go, go, go, and I often have to pull him back from the edge! 🙂 Kindness ALWAYS works.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:34 am
Your husband I get! People are funny, always trying to guess other’s motives. I’m guilty of it a bit myself. It could be that the Booth Bandit does covet my seat, although we have the same view of dirt… But mine has my back to the wall… You’re husband would appreciate that seat! I’m getting the kindness… slowly… Thanks for the insight and chuckle, Jillie!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 8:52 am
What an awesome post Floyd, as always. I was just thinking this week that all we are called to do is to be kind to one person at a time. As I read the Bible it makes me think that Jesus did just that, one person at a time, as they crossed his path or he theirs. He seemed to shy away from crowds. For me, who doesn’t get out a lot, I often only see one person in a day. When I go out to get my mail, or drop off the trash, I might pass the neighbor in the adjoining apartment, the fellow upstairs who walks his dog, the lady with a limp that parks near our mailboxes, or Luther, the wonderful black maintenance man. But, when I see them, I consider it a divine appointment, the person God placed in my path that day, or at that moment, and I do my best to say, or do something, even if they are at a distance and it’s only a wave or a smile, that will make their day better. And by doing so, it always makes mine!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:36 am
That is wonderful advice, Betty Jo! I can almost see you spreading joy and peace that pours forth from within you. What a blessing you are to those people in your world. You’re right. It’s on soul at a time. I like that, good call. Thanks so much, Betty Jo!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 1:32 pm
Hi Floyd! Sounds like we were on the same wave length this week, doesn’t it? Getting angry about things I have no control over is one of my favorite pastimes. And why? It’s so silly. I loved the part where you stepped up and said you’d clean your own table. I felt the ice melting right here by my computer! Good comeback in the Spirit, my friend!
I also have a post coming up on judgment. (I am also pretty good at that. I hate to brag, but I guess I just did.) We are all slogging our way through some of our days, with no defenses against our negative emotions. I hope I meet someone like you when I have a day like that. You fought through yours and gently defused another soul. She could have been me.
Happy weekend!
Ceil
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 6:47 pm
I guess we are on the same page! How I appreciate your wit! It is a constant battle against our flesh to be sure. How blessed are we to have the Holy Spirit speak out to us in our emotional breakdown? It’s amazing! And I hope I meet someone like you when I’m having one of those days. May our Father be honored. Thanks, Ceil.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
Floyd, such a fantastic post and lesson for us. Just like God to send a little prompt to remind us of something we read or heard to let the air out of our anger balloon. What a difference we can make in a situation when we follow those little promptings.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 6:49 pm
That air balloon is always filled with self, isn’t it? Good call, Wanda. The peace and joy of being a peacemaker is a comfort to our soul. Kinda like Watering the Soul… to steal your site name! Thanks, Wanda.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 7:28 pm
Thanks for this blog entry Floyd! I can totally identify and needed this one my friend. I have those day when I feel like a grizzly bear 🙂 A great reminder that we can change others by first changing our own actions first. God bless! Mark
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 9:31 am
I like that description, Mark! That’s a good way to put it! Thanks, Mark. And thanks for sharing the link to your live worship song. My wife got your album from I-tunes. It’s awesome! Here’s a link for others to check out your music youtu.be/c5_2zwTmuHQ
God bless, Mark.
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 6:14 pm
I’m humbled that she purchased my album on iTunes! Thanks to you both for your support and for sharing the link! I shared your blog on twitter last night as I really do enjoy the entries here! Have a blessed week! Mark
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 6:30 pm
Our pleasure, literally! I’ve been walking around all day faintly singing, “I have a feeling… I have a real good feeling…” What a great song. Well done, my friend. A blessed week to you too, brother.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 @ 10:35 pm
Thanks for sharing this great example Floyd. I am often reminded of the power of words when I’m trying to deal with my kids. I have to watch what I say because they listen and when I’m not careful I’ll hear them repeating those words with the same ugly tone later.
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 9:35 am
I hear you, Caleb. Same with me. I see some of my uglier traits crop up in sarcastic tones too often. This is a good reminder for me. Thanks, Caleb.
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 12:10 pm
What an awesome victory you had; so glad you shared that struggle.The rest of us can relate to the conviction I bet. So good that you put a link to Lisa. I’m there next.
Thanks for birthday wishes and the nice compliment. Speaking of words! And I have to also thank u for praying for our family last fall. Turned out most of the favor going to my daughter. Ex-husband still has parenting time, but my gracious daughter settled out of court (good settlement) and she initiated forgiveness! His heart melted (she’s real good with words) and God’s Spirit fell. The mediator almost fell off his chair. (Rich, Jewish guy) Anyway, communication has been stellar and emails are much more polite from him. This is SO GOOD for my granddaughter! I love to tell the story of God’s intervention and grace. So, again, thank you for caring!
God bless you, bro.
Mary
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 4:24 pm
That’s wonderful news!!! I sensed that when I read your last post. I’m thrilled for answered prayers and the hand of our Father in your and your family’s lives. Words are such a blessing. Thanks for sharing your words of encouragement and thankfulness, Mary. God bless you and yours as well. I guess you couldn’t have asked for a better birthday… What a gift…
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 2:04 pm
I’ve been chuckling and laughing through this post Floyd, you paint pictures with your words so well. I see what you meant in the comment on my post! Amazing how (if we allow it) God will make saints out of us in our most unsaintly moments. thanks for the story, made my afternoon!
Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 4:27 pm
“God will make saints our of us in our most un-saintly moments.” Our Father can make beautiful things out of dirt, as the song says. Glad to give you a chuckle… at my expense! Kidding. Thanks, Ngina. Bless you.
Monday, February 3, 2014 @ 7:53 pm
OK, Floyd. I ought not be chuckling – but I am, just a little bit. I could just picture the Booth Bandit, and I could certainly identify with your reaction to him. Don’t you think that the “Booth Bandit” can also represent every little frustrating inconvenience that happens in our lives on a daily basis? We are somehow *put out* by the smallest of things, and I’ve got to admit that my usual reaction isn’t very pretty. And then, the server being less than attentive – yup, get that too. The drip-drip distraction of aggravation.
In it all, we are still battling that inner nature that wants to assert our “rights” to what we think we want, deserve, or need.
May we continue to learn that it is not about us – and may God grant us the courage to sacrifice ourselves to the cross that He asks us to pick up every day.
GOD BLESS!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 12:36 pm
You summarized that wonderfully, Sharon. I think those things did represent the daily testing that comes on this fallen dirt. Each one an opportunity to show the world that we can live above our fallen nature with He that lives within us. Thanks so much, Sharon.
Monday, February 3, 2014 @ 9:31 pm
Does your church end up having seats that are familiar to people too? 🙂 We see that, and watch ourselves falling into that too, and grin. But it’s not frustrating there though.
Good job for reminding yourself to respond kindly and gently. That Lisa Notes, she does good work, huh? 🙂
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 12:38 pm
I’m the same way at church too! A young girl started showing up early and snagged our regular pew… I seem to deal with it better there! But we’re all creatures of habit, aren’t we? That Lisa Notes is a blessing to all of us, and you as well, sister. Thanks, Jennifer.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 11:31 am
Isn’t it wonderful how words from fellow bloggers shape our lives and can change us?
I’m continuously amazed by how much I learn from people I may never physically meet in this life.
On a more humorous note, I think if our spouses ever got together they would have a grand time swapping stories about us. There would be a never ending supply of stories to swap to “one up” each other in our type A personalities.
I don’t mean to brag, but I think I can out do you with my less than Christian character than sneaks out on “rare” occasions. 🙂
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 12:45 pm
It is a blessing to be encouraged and reminded by the ones our Father has chosen to speak to us. I thank you for your passion and conviction that boost me as well. I’m afraid if our spouses got together and the comparisons started… we might be there for a week! And if I were a betting man, not saying I am, but I wouldn’t bet against you! Thanks for the chuckle, TC. And all the insight you share.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 1:12 pm
You’re welcome and thank you for speaking into my life as well.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 2:42 pm
We are blessed. We just have to keep the eyes of our hearts open to see it without the flesh getting in the way!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 12:54 pm
Soooooo glad I stopped by! What a keeper! Haven’t we all been in similar situations before like this one, and Lord, sometimes I have failed, others I have passed like Floyd. Help me to remember that I might be the only Jesus some people see, as the saying goes. And dear Jesus, put a watchman at the door of my big, fat mouth! 🙂
As a former pastor’s wife, I have seen the territorial “This is MY seat” at church. Sometimes they were “right”, they may have actually purchased a pew in the building of the sanctuary, etc. But dear Lord in heaven, forgive us for thinking we own anything in the house of God! Or that we would not gladly, I mean GLADLY give up our seats for a precious new soul! Oh I could preach on this one Floyd but won’t take away from the beauty of your post today. 🙂 It was truly a blessing.
I always leave here after reading one of your posts and all of the lovely comments…blessed.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 2:40 pm
You speak with authority Nannette, and it is a welcomed wisdom, sister. We all fail, but less so when we’re begin encouraged by our sisters or brothers in Christ. It bailed me out by reminding me not to fall the way of the world that day after almost slipping over the edge. Bless you for the encouragement and wisdom, Nannette!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 @ 7:41 pm
This was a great story. Thank you for sharing with us here at “Tell me a Story.”
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 @ 8:19 am
My pleasure, Hazel. Thanks for having me!
Thursday, February 6, 2014 @ 8:06 pm
It’s amazing what happens when we are kind no matter what our situation is. Kindness can defiantly soften the hardest heart. Great post:)
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 5:51 am
It can if we don’t forget to act out our calling! Thanks, Dan.
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 1:09 am
how often have I been the impatient one
can’t you see me?
come over here and get your job done
i’m in a hurry, i’m running late
there’s customers ahead of me
and you’re making me wait
I speak polite yet body-language rules
my time’s so important
are you a fool?
i’m sorry sir, thanks for your patience
what can i get for you?
she musters a smile, brushes back her hair
and all of a sudden i flush with shame
she’s doing her job
but there’s too much to do
and still there’s people ahead of you
thank you i say with a sheepish grin
and truly i am as i cringe from my sin
she didn’t deserve that
you know it’s true
so when tomorrow comes
what will you do?
Sadly I see that I’m often both the booth bandit and the impatient guy …
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 5:54 am
Oh, man. That stings me as it describes me too often right down to a “T”. Powerful, David. You brought that into a deeper meaning from within. Although it is painful, it’s needed. Thanks, David.
Friday, February 7, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
I can’t say much more, but I can say that I understand. Seen this sort of thing a number of times over the many years, and have offered to fix, clean, adjust when others can’t pull it together, too buried in too much to do. You stepped in, stepped up. And you were appreciated. It’s a blessing how things turn around from anger and frustration to appreciation. Good thinking, Brother.
Saturday, February 8, 2014 @ 2:41 pm
Thanks, Joanne. It wasn’t my first instinct, but I’m coming around… slowly!