Disarmed by a Compliment

The two dollar girl had a four dollar complaint about the service in the McDonald’s drive-through. It was so slow, it felt like my hair greyed faster than my order … I tried to maintain a positive outlook as the five cars ahead of me stood still, I had places to go.
After ordering my creamed coffee and muffin, I turned the car off, opened my book, moved ahead, turned off, moved ahead, paid the $2, foot on brake, half page read.
Then I practised my lines as to how I could kindly let them know how slow the drive through was, and offer suggestions for improvements, as opposed to just grumbling about how ridiculously lead footed they were. Should I remind them of a former policy If it’s not ready in 2/3 minutes it’s free? As my car inched to the second window a paper bag and coffee shot out at me and the young lady smiled and said, “Nice short hair, it takes talent to do that.”
Complaints died on my tongue, I said thank-you, and sped away with a big grin on my face. And I marvelled at the young woman’s words, my guess was that she had something pleasant to say to each customer as they pulled through, especially those kept waiting.
And I was thankful as I reached the garden, first that I was kept from speaking my feeble complaint, shoes removed, for I felt I was on holy ground … I was given a second chance to be a better person than the grumps that wanted to burst forth. I have seen how bad it looks with complaints about poor service. (I know there is a legitimate time to complain—this was not it.)
Not only that, but for the past four years I have been quoting John Piper’s mentor, who told him to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry.” That day I was helped in eliminating hurry, it’s been a little tougher to eliminate impatience.

Sam Harris, an American neuroscientist, author, and philosopher, shares his concept of the present moment and why it matters to live in the now rather than wait for the “now” of the future. It’s worth the click!

http://www.wimp.com/alwaysnow/