Understanding and doing, without instructions

During a recent visit with my son at his new apartment in Northern Virginia, we went out for a late breakfast to celebrate our against-all-odds assembly of complicated patio chairs that came without written instructions. At the Gainesville Diner, we were greeted with smiles and staff wearing “we count the memories not the calories” t-shirts. 

While we were enjoying brunch, an employee stopped at the booth next to ours to say hello to a customer who was seated alone. We overheard bits of the conversation as the customer shared that she wasn’t sure when she’ll be back because she was about to start chemotherapy treatment and didn't have rides lined up yet. That employee could have nodded empathetically, wished her well, and continued on her way out. Instead, she leaned in - to the woman in the booth and to her situation, ultimately sliding in next to her to continue the conversation. During their time together, it appeared that they exchanged numbers and discussed schedules and needs, including rides and meals.

What a perfect witness of love. That’s one more memory to count.

Thank you, Gainesville Diner, for Growing Love without instructions.

Then again, maybe you did have some...
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. (John 13:17) 
(Jesus to his disciples while washing their feet)