I walked into Round Rock Hooters and ordered
myself and my driver 2 burgers and fries to go. I was in a lackadaisical mood searching for the semblence of a
real conversation even if it meant getting into an argument... That's the simple truth about HOW I was feeling.
I am coming to realize that perhaps
real argument is better than fake happinesses all day long... Maybe.
As I was waiting for my order I noticed 2 soldiers sitting together engrossed
in conversation already eating their food. One of them had good taste because he had ordered fried pickles.
I love the fried pickles...
I asked the bartender to tell me WHO was waiting on the soldiers
and inquired if those soldiers had paid their bill.
The waitress told me that there was a couple sitting in the high-table
area that had beaten me to the punch and planned to pick up their tab.
Do you people know how
RARE it is to meet other benevolent good samaritan-like people ? Trust me, it's RARE.
It is equally important to realize that I saw the movie GAME PLAN last week and I agree with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's character when he refused to say "No", refused to accept
defeat no matter the odds or circumstances.
I am like that in so many arenas of my life. I have no quit in me. When
I start something I make every effort to finish it.
So when the waitress told
me that the couple had beaten me, I failed to accept it and instantaneously decided that I would pick up THEIR tab as well
as the soldier's.
I whipped out my credit card and immediately proceeded to make it happen.
After all the slips were signed, all the tips were added and after the manager over-rode the computer, I walked over to the
tall table and introduced myself to Dick and Bettye Wilson, shaking each of their hands and looking them directly in their
eyes to tell them WHY I was treating them and WHY I wasn't allowing THEM to treat the soldiers... Today.
I did it for honor and benevolence as well as just because I could.
I did it for theirs, the soldiers and mine.
After getting my burgers, as I was heading out the door, Dick shook
my hand again and smilingly said' "You know Ron, I'm going to get you back for your treat." I smiled back responding,
"I doubt I'll ever let you."
I am sure it's never happened TO the Wilsons before, just like
it has rarely ever happened TO me. It felt good treating them and those soldiers, it felt RIGHT amongst a growing sea
of WRONGS and I harbor no regrets for treating strangers with love and benevolence. NONE.
Ingrained in my character, despite all the other things I do, I still
find ways to show love and I thank God for the opportunities that He has given me to be an Episcopalian in my own quirky way.
