Proverbs 29:13 – The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
When the line to be seated begins to lengthen the old man tells the waitress to feel free to ask if anyone is in a hurry and would like to sit at the table with him, because they would be welcome. Sometimes someone is in a hurry and takes up that offer. The old man is never in a hurry.
Today a sharply dressed young man took the offer and was seated at the table. He had quickly looked the old man over and then, even before sitting down, was already placing his order. As he was sitting down he added to Judy (the waitress) “And when you place my order, let them know that I am in rush.”
“He didn’t say please when he asked for his hurried order and he didn’t say thank you” the old man noted. The old man smiled and held out his hand to the table-guest and offered “I am Howard. Pleased to share a table with you.” The young man looked at his hand and hesitated before shaking it. He did manage to give Howard an obligatory quick smile but the young man’s eyes never really noticed Howard as he clearly had other thoughts on his mind. The young man also did not reveal his name to Howard.
Howard smiled back at his table companion. Smiling, he said to the young man “I suppose you come here often?”
The young man merely responded “yup.” Howard noticed the young man was now looking at him in a studying way. The young man was indeed looking Howard over and making snap judgments about him. The young man was actually quite perceptive. He noticed that Howard’s clothing was outdated but was clean and fairly well preserved. He noticed an ever slight tremble of Howard’s hands and head. Also he judged that Howard was clearly friendly and someone who enjoyed and was adept at communicating with people. Howard had an ease and calm that was easy to observe. The young man figured this man would probably want to wear out his ear before the his meal was done. The young man assessed that this old man was not destitute, but also not financially loaded.
“Yes, me too. I come her often. In fact, I think I remember previously seeing you” Howard offered though his ever present smile.
“Really?” The young man did not like that this man seemed to be observing him from his perch in the restaurant. He wondered if he should be concerned but then decided that Howard was just a lonely old guy. The young man thought to himself “I hope that I never get to be a lonely old man. The young man had no desire to know Howard. The young man is actually able to be quite charming to people. He is very disarming when he wants to be, when it is to his advantage. The young man is able to discern the vulnerable, the lonely, and the wealthy. These are the people he likes to meet and fall into the good graces of. He has a purpose for them.
“Yes!” Howard enthusiastically responded. Howard wanted to find common ground with this young man. He continued “You didn’t happen to mention your name. May I know it?”
“Look mister…”
“Howard.”
“Okay young man” Howard replied. Yet Howard continued, much to the annoyance of the young man, to sometimes look at the young man and smile.
Soon the young man was finished with his meal and rushed off without a word or a thank you to Howard for sharing his table. Howard smiled at the young man as he left. His smile was met with the man’s back.
Howard soon finished his meal. He thanked Judy for the great service and for always having a big friendly smile for him. Judy, a very kind person who makes everyone feel valued, gave him a big hug and told him to “come back soon.” He liked Judy. He even liked the young man and Howard said a prayer for Him as he exited the restaurant.
Two people who both are blessed by eyes. What they see is very different because of their hearts. The young man takes his eyesight for granted. Howard thanks God for his eyesight. God above gave both of them sight. God offers His blessings to all. Not all are thankful.
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.