Matthew 7:¹² “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”

The law and the prophets of the old testament include a LOT of material. So it’s interesting to me that Jesus sums it up with one statement. It’s one of those verses that is very familiar so it can be difficult to hear it anew. But this morning I’m drawn to the power of its simplicity. How would I act if I applied this teaching more consistently? Where in my life and I functioning outside of this teaching?

Yesterday I was picking up a to-go pizza from a local restaurant and had an increasingly common experience – slow service. It’s a pick-up only place so there’s no inside dining. There is a small counter at the front where people pick up their food. I knew I was in trouble when I walked into a crowded waiting area. I could see there were multiple staff in the kitchen area hustling to get food prepared, but the person dealing directly with customers looked lost.

As I watched it became evident this person is new. She struggled to find the right keys on the register, find the right orders to be picked-up, answer questions from hungry customers. What should have taken a few minutes took much, much longer, and I felt my self becoming irritated. I’ll admit, patience is not my strong suit. And this kind of situation has become VERY common these days when many places are short-staffed.

This morning I’m praying for this young woman and for the restaurant that employs her – and all of the “retail” type businesses and service providers everywhere who are struggling mightily to keep their doors open. I think it’s what I would want from others if I were the one behind the counter. Lord, let it be so. Amen.