Internal Draft
Free Will Deli?
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When a simple blessing comes with an unexpected disappointment, what will our response reveal?
I was given a coupon for a free made-to-order sandwich at a supermarket deli.
The friendly, accommodating woman preparing it suggested a name-brand meat.
“You might as well since it’s free, right?”
“Yes, that makes sense to me. Thank you for that tip,” I replied.
At the checkout, however, I learned that certain ingredients were excluded.
Honestly, I hadn’t read the fine print. I had trusted the people helping me.
I politely asked whether I could pay the difference. I didn’t want to take the sandwich back and embarrass the woman who had prepared it with such care.
While the cashier considered the situation, I waited.
My request was declined. I was advised to return to the deli and have the sandwich made with the approved ingredients.
Then I sensed that gentle, kind inner prompting.
“That’s okay. I’ll pay the full price. I don’t want to embarrass her.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
I paid, and later enjoyed a delicious sandwich.
Perhaps it’s my imagination, but that meal tasted especially good.
Something Worth Pondering
Dear reader, which of the nine qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit do you see at work in this encounter? And which one would have been the hardest for you to practice?
The coupon promised a free sandwich. It did not promise a trouble-free moment.
I had an opportunity to practice patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
The cashier had a policy to follow. The deli preparer had tried to help. I had overlooked the fine print.
Paying full price was the choice I made that day. A gracious request for a correction could also have been reasonable. The fruit was in how I treated the people involved.
I left with more than lunch. I left grateful for an opportunity to put faith into practice.
Your Turn
When an unexpected disappointment comes with your next order, what fruit will you bring to the counter?
Pause before responding. Consider the person in front of you. Let love help you choose your words.
A Noble Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me notice the ordinary moments in which Your fruit can grow through me. When I am disappointed, give me patience. When someone makes a mistake, guide me toward kindness and gentleness. Help me value the person before me as I work through the problem. Amen.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”