THE OLD GUY, TOAD JUNIOR, AND THE BUICK…
He was young. Probably too young to know he could have been a body double in the movie American Graffiti for the character of Toad if he’d been born forty years sooner… Somethings are timeless – Take horn rim glasses for instance… Long live Buddy Holly… Oh, and Elvis Costello.
I’m not sure why I don’t get my truck washed more often? I should. I never fail to find a story in the struggle of life every time I visit a car wash, and this trip was no exception.
A good ole’ fashioned Arizona dust storm kicked up the desert floor so it looked like as much dirt overhead as underfoot. When the sky started to cry, the winds lost momentum and it started to rain mud. I waited till every other car in the city was clean before I got around to turning my tan truck white again and get the thin layer of desert floor off my dash.
Toad Junior just happened to be working in the car wash assembly line as the last person to use the air hoses to blow the water out of the tough to get to spots on the cars and trucks. He also had the duty of scrubbing the writing off the driver’s side window that spelled out the type of wash and the person’s name and then bellow out the person’s name while waving a red towel around in the air like a lasso.
I took the old guy’s seat after he’d gotten up to answer Toad Junior’s bidding… Sometimes you can just feel a story getting ready to unfold. The older Buick was in pretty good shape and the old guy’s pride in the aging car could be spotted with ease. It was more than just another car to the proud Buick owner. Toad Junior? Not so much, to him it was just another car of probably a hundred he’d scrub and yell over that day.
The white-haired man used his gold glasses to get a close up of his pride and joy. Toad Junior stood by the driver’s door waiting to give the patented niceties and send another satisfied customer down the road… until the Buick owner stood at the front grill pointing, brow shriveling.
Toad Junior pulled his handy-dandy squirt bottle like a pistolero hanging in his back pocket like a holster. Spray, scrub, presto! Toad Junior figured out in short order that it was a full-blown battle and there would be no holstering his tool anytime soon. After a thorough proofing of the outside the old guy began to inspect the interior. After squirting and scrubbing the majority of the inside, Toad fetched the heavy artillery of the air hose and finished off the interior like a hero.
Finally satisfied, the old guy reached into his pocket and pulled out the boy’s reward. He grabbed both ends of the dollar bill and pulled tight, snapping the buck like a flag as if that might make the young man even happier or the one dollar magically worth more. Toad Junior accepted the tip about waist-high and stared at it for a few seconds before offering a sarcastic, “Thanks,” and stopped just short of rolling his eyes behind his horn rims.
Expectations are a funny thing… Toad Junior’s expectations reminded me of mine along with most of us. We expect things sometimes without the obligation of others and then show our annoyance verbally and otherwise, and it’s never flattering to the One we serve.
With Toad Junior several miles behind me, I shook my head and grinned to myself when I realized the thin layer of the desert floor was resting comfortably on my dashboard. And still is…
Rick Dawson
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 9:40 am
Believe it or not, I’ve never seen “American Graffiti” – but now I’ll have to 🙂
Guilty. I think most of us would have to say we have been a few times (please note the use of the gift of understatement there – it isn’t a spiritual one , but it does have its place). As usual, Floyd, you have a great gift for observing the little events in life and pulling a spiritual truth out of them. Keep typing – we’ll read more 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 2:23 pm
Oh man, you gotta see that old movie. You’d love it. It speaks to a time gone by and the cars are seriously amazing. It’s where Harrison Ford and Suzanne Somers got their start. I never was a Richard Dreyfus fan, but his interaction with Wolfman Jack is very entertaining.
Yeah, it’s part of being human, we’re all guilty at one time or another. Thanks, Rick. I will if you will!
Rick Dawson
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 2:38 pm
Yeah, well, I’m invested in the process now, aren’t I? 🙂
You’ll have to read the next post I’m writing now(I know you will anyway); look for publication in an hour or so 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 3:05 pm
Indeed you are, Sir! I’ll check it out.
Betty Draper
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 12:53 pm
This was a good post on expectations. Missionaries will often leave a lot of their stuff out for another missionary to use while they go home on furlough, easier then packing it all up. So often when they get back to the serve they find some of their stuff not taken good care of. During their time home they did not hear once from the ones staying in their home about broken items. We all expect “our stuff” to be as important to others as it is to us. I am all for expecting a person to “do their job” properly according to the standard of the employee. It’s rare to find someone who will go beyond that and not rare to experience many not even doing a good job. It’s a reminder to me to treat peoples stuff like I want mine treated or even better. When I haven’t respected that, I lose credibility with that person. And all of us have somewhat of a different standard in these areas.
I’m with Rick, your gift of capturing our attention with your stories then driving home a spiritual truth without any pride makes reading it worthwhile.
Floyd
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 2:56 pm
It’s amazing how different our standards are, maybe that’s the problem, although I suspect that many people don’t care for other people’s things like they do their own. If I learned anything as a kid, it was to treat other people’s stuff like it was the most important thing on earth! It’s a respect thing. I never ceased to be amazed how you can explain yourself and summarize a subject with such clarity and wisdom! Thanks, Betty. I appreciate your interaction immensely.
Hazel Moon
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 6:05 pm
Toad Junior was given a task beyond the normal, and he expected a big tip. The old guy probably thought a dollar was a big tip.
I have on occasion been in a restaurant where the service was not so good, and they were almost offended to receive 10% instead of 15%. Many would refust to even tip if the service was bad. Too bad your dust is always with you on your dash. Ours here in the woods has a tendancy to get on everything too.
Floyd
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 7:00 pm
I hear you, Hazel. Some of the worst servers are the ones who expect the most. I guess we’re all a little guilty now and again. I’m trying to be mindful… wish I would have paid a little more attention… maybe I coulda’ got my dash wiped off! Thanks, Hazel.
Hazel Moon
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 6:09 pm
Thanks for sharing this post at: Tell Me a Story this coming Monday evening
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Floyd
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 7:00 pm
Thanks for letting me share it at your place, Hazel!
Voni Harris
Saturday, June 8, 2013 @ 10:20 pm
Poor Junior–not exactly a servant’s heart, huh?
Poor old guy–demanding, huh?
I hope I’m never either one of them!
Fantastic image made of words. Thanks, Floyd!
Blessings,
Voni
Floyd
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 4:50 pm
I find that we all tend to be some version of one or the other from time to time, but yeah, I’m with you, Voni. When I tried not to be like the old guy it got me a dirty dashboard… even after I tipped Toad Junior five bucks! Lessons…. Thanks, Voni!
Mia
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 1:32 pm
Dear Floyd
You know, dear bro, ever since Adam and Eve decided that they can decide what is good and what is evil, humans have been this way! When our Pappa gives us something “bad” for the sole purpose of drawing us close to Him, we do pretty much the same as this guy! We decide it is very bad, so we must have done something wrong. We try sooo hard to be good to get Pappa to bless us again, but in the mean time He has already blessed us with the exact thing we thought as our punishment. Well. I am glad He doesn’t give up on us.
Blessings
Mia
Floyd
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
Excellent point, Mia! We do have our own preconceived notions of what is good for us and bad for us with the attitude that we have some godly perspective. We do get wisdom, but that usually is intertwined with wisdom. I always appreciate your take on these matters. Thanks, Mia.
jake
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 3:32 pm
Working at any job where tips are part of the equation is asking for bitterness. I worked at a restaurant through high school and for the first and last parts of college… and I hope that I never have to do it again. EVER. I’m sitting in a Starbucks, where I worked during my senior year reading this by the way, and I’m so glad to be on this side of the counter– but I respect the people on the other side, too.
Floyd
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 4:54 pm
Too funny, Jake. I can almost see you getting stiffed! If I were a betting man, I’d bet you waited until you turned your back to the stiffer before you rolled your eyes! I’m glad your on the getting served side too, Jake. It’s great to hear from you again, brother.
Mike
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 4:29 pm
Makes me think of why it’s important to not take things for granted, and take pride in what you do for the intrinsic satisfaction it offers. Of course it also reminds me of when I waited tables a Cracker Barrel many years ago. I’d get an older couple or two who would work me to death, spend an hour at my table, and tip me a dollar or two. Back then I would be very insulted, not I’d just smile and thank God for all the blessings in my life. Great post!
Floyd
Sunday, June 9, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
You’ve lived on both sides, Mike. I love your take and wisdom. It really should be the intrinsic satisfaction first, the monetary part our Father takes care of for us. Great story, Mike. Thanks, man.
Dan Erickson
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:36 am
I think today’s kids may expect more than we did because we give them more to start.
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 8:25 am
I think your right, Dan, but I also think we’re all a little guilty of being both of these characters at one time or another in life! I’m trying not to land in the footsteps of either of them! Thanks, Dan.
Dan Erickson
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 10:25 am
I agree that we are all guilty at times. I do my best to try to find the right balance, too. My mind is on my daughter right now and her birthday season. I think she gets way too much. I’m partially to blame for that. Tomorrow, on her birthday itself, I’m taking her to be introduced to Madison House, a local home for youth and programs for those in need. My goal is to get her started in volunteerism at this tender age.
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:22 pm
Excellent call, Dan. That will pay huge dividends.
Lisa notes
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 11:31 am
Great descriptive writing. Sometimes I just lose myself in the telling of your stories, Floyd–I felt myself there, even though I don’t know much about Arizona dust storms. And instead of dust on the dashboard, I’m imagining yellow pollen that we have in excess here. 🙂
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:23 pm
Thanks, Lisa. I think it’s kinda the same thing, dirty vehicle and life lessons! That knows no boundaries…
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 11:47 am
Reminds me of a car wash I did as a teen once to raise money for our youth camp. This old beater car was caked in mud and dirt like it hadn’t been washed in 20 years. I think we spent the better part of an hour getting it clean and then the guy hands us a dollar. We said thanks and moved on, but we were certainly shocked! Not the point of your story, I know, but there are people out there who don’t mind using you for all you’ve got and giving little to nothing in return. Getting upset doesn’t help. You have to let it roll off, especially if you did it “as unto the Lord” you’ll be fine. Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:25 pm
Exactly, Jason. It’s easy to take it personal, but it’s really not about us at all. That’s a good thing to remember. I wonder if you’re gonna start writing with an accent once you spend some time in Oklahoma? ! Thanks, Jason.
Barb Raveling
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 12:03 pm
I absolutely love the picture you had with this post. Great story, too. If we think of trials as a gift, then the old guy with the one buck tip is a gift. I have a similar person like that in my life – an older lady in my neighborhood. As I wrote that, I started thinking, “she’s a gift.” It’s a lot easier to see “gifts” in other people’s lives than our own. thanks for the good reminder, Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:27 pm
That’s a great revelation, Barb. They really are gifts if we could get a change of perspective and not take things personal. Great call! Thanks, Barb.
tcavey
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
It annoys me when I see people do that (even though I’ve been guilty of it myself).
But I try to always remember in high school when I worked in the only cafe our town had. Needless to say I had some regulars who came in daily for coffee. There were a few “old guys” that never failed to leave 50 cent tips. But it wasn’t an insult, to them that was a good tip. I remember one evening I served one of the old farmers and his wife and actual meal and not just dinner. When I cleared the table I expected to find the customary 50 cents, instead he had left a full dollar! I loved taking care of those old guys. I didn’t get rich, but they treated me nicely and told me great stories.
Now when I find myself irritated with someone, I try to think back to those old farmers and remember that we are all different and we are all full of worth.
great post!
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:30 pm
What a great life lesson you learned, TC. And a great lesson to those of us you share that wisdom with. What a great story and perspective, TC. I’ll have to remember the old farmers… They’re worth so much when they share stories… maybe where you learned to tell a story? Just sayin’! Thanks, TC.
Loren Pinilis
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
Those car wash guys work hard!
Your point is valid – so much of our sadness and strife in life is tied to our expectations. We’re promised many great things in the Bible – why do we always want the niceties of life that aren’t necessarily promised to us?
Floyd
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 6:37 pm
I hear you, Loren. Great observation! We want the good stuff to fulfill our own desires and sense of self worth. I’m not saying we should play either on of those rolls in heart, but I get your point. Well thought out, thanks, Loren.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 @ 9:14 am
Even when I don’t SAY something less-than-perfect and kind and accepting, I’ve been told many times that it always shows on my face, in my eyes. In fact, ALL my friends and family have said that. I truly now try to focus on appreciation from the Lord, encouragement. Even if it doesn’t fit into what I always wanted, hoped for, it doesn’t mean it isn’t what He can/will bring to reality for HIM, not just for me.
AND… yep, bet you are buried in dust. That would “drive” me crazy. [Been in it before, but rarely in our area. However, more like having mud covering the car. Oh, well. That ain’t easy to wash, either.]
Nice to “see” you…
Floyd
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 @ 6:31 pm
Yeah, my expressions are worth a thousand words too… It takes time to realize the kind of people we want to be and it has to start in the heart and from Above. Yeah, the storms can be ugly in the desert. I might get around to cleaning my dashboard one of these days… It’s nice to hear from you, Joanne. Thanks.
Dan Black
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 @ 8:21 pm
Yes, I’m to young to have seen “American Graffiti.” I’ve never heard of it until I read your post. Today’s society is full of people who expect more than they work for, they want the reward without putting in the work or time. We need more people like yourself teaching us younger guns the reward of work and perseverance. Great post!
Floyd
Thursday, June 13, 2013 @ 8:58 am
You haven’t heard of American Graffiti? Wow… I am getting old! You’re right, Dan; our society wants reward without work and doesn’t grasp the fact that there is no gratification for things unearned. It is the process of struggle that makes the achievements taste sweet to the soul. I know you are the exception to that rule and your life shows it. Thanks for the kind words, Dan… you’re a class act, brother.
Dan Black
Thursday, June 13, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
Nope never have:)
Thank you for the complement, most days I don’t feel that way.
Floyd
Friday, June 14, 2013 @ 8:54 am
Your actions are consistent daily, Dan. The honor and perseverance is going to pay you blessed dividends…