Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By The Rev. Jason Stump

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Recently I was in an area Hardee’s getting breakfast. I was in the midst of a Saturday routine I have from time to time. Farmer’s market, grocery store, thrift store, and walk at one of the many parks in our area. 

On this particular Saturday, and I would imagine most Saturdays, this Hardee’s was very busy. The drive-through was full, there were several Uber Eats drivers waiting to pick up orders, and a half-dozen or so folks waiting for their orders to be taken. 

While the wait may have been longer than during a less busy time, most folks seemed to be very patient with it all. It was so very obvious that the staff was working hard to take orders, prepare the food, and then serve it to hungry customers. One staff member seemed to stand out, though.

He was probably in his late teens or early 20s, smiling through his exhaustion, and polite in his words and mannerisms. I was admiring this, as I had once worked in fast food over 30 years ago, and I found it to be one of the most stressful jobs I ever had. It had its pros and cons, but no doubt as a high school student, dealing with rude customers, overbearing managers, understaffed schedules, and late, late nights taught me a lot. Some things I learned I would do, and some I swore I’d never do again. 

This young man seemed built for this. At the very least, he was making it look that way. In the midst of waiting in line, I noticed one of the Uber Eats drivers, a young woman, was also exhibiting the same traits. She was greeting and conversing with the other drivers as though there was some sacred pact between them all to support one another and cheer each other on. I don’t know, maybe there is. She wore the most pleasant smile, especially for a person who clearly was working to make ends meet or build up some savings on a Saturday morning. 

When the young Hardee’s pro handed the order neatly organized to our pleasant Uber Eats driver, she not only thanked him but also praised him for the way in which he did his work. She actually said to him, “I’ve been in a lot of fast food places, and you are the best I’ve ever seen at this.” He simply said a surprised, but calm, “thank you” with a smile. However, you could see the boost of joy and pride it gave him on his face. 

What a kind and pleasant moment between two humans this was to watch.

A little while later, after I had my breakfast, I was in the restroom and there was our Hardee’s star again — of course, diligently washing his hands before returning to work. I followed the example the young woman set earlier and right there in the restroom, I told him, “You are really doing great out there! I know it’s not easy, but you should know it makes a difference. Thank you.” Again, he gave a pleasant and humble, “Oh, thank you!” as he went right back to work. 

Folks, there are heroes among us. I think there are far more than we realize. Being a person of courage, or a leader, takes vulnerability. Sometimes, though not always, it requires the ability to weather the storms as if you were actually looking forward to being in it so that you can help others through. 

I could be wrong, but I’d guess that if we were hit with a natural disaster or public emergency, these two young folks, and others like them, would be doing exactly that. Doing the work, supporting others in their work, and making both of those things contagious. 

I thank God for that Hardee’s employee and Uber Eats driver. They infected me with a bit of hope and joy to carry me forward. I hope that you and I can do that sometime soon as well.