Now and then my husband and I go to a small local restaurant
for breakfast. I have noticed an older
woman who appears to work there. I also noticed that she welcomes you to a
table and then walks around the restaurant saying good morning and chatting
with customers, but does not take food or drink orders.
Last week I had a
chance to talk to her. This is what I found out.
The women’s name is
Hattie and she is a volunteer – a restaurant volunteer. I’ve never heard of anyone doing
this. She comes to the restaurant in the early morning and works until 11:00 am.
In talking to Hattie, I discovered that she is a retired registered
nurse, who has had a very interesting life in nursing. Now, in her retirement,
she spreads her special kind of cheer to the breakfast customers at this
restaurant. She gets no salary, just the
joy of being with people. She can
bring a smile to your face just by her presence. What a wonderful gift Hattie
has given to us.
In writing a post about inspirational people, I am always on the lookout for someone
interesting to feature. I’ll admit this is a unique form of ministry and
Hattie is quite unlike anyone I have interviewed. I think this is a lesson for
us all. Keep your eyes open for those quiet people who go through life making
other people happy. You never know where
you will find them.
Thank you, Hattie, and
kudos to the restaurant owners who have the foresight to have a restaurant
volunteer.
By Lois Jamieson
If you enjoyed this inspirational story, you will want to
read:
National Volunteer Week Thoughts and Websites
