Contributed by Darren Lim • Feb 14, 2023
It was after dinner. We decided to pop into McDonald’s to get the kids some ice cream. I headed to the collection counter despite initially indicating for the order to be sent to our table. A lady of light build, dressed in a T-Shirt and wearing a cap, walked up beside me to collect her order. She held out an order chit and kept asking for her order. It did not take me long to realise that she had no legitimate order since she was constantly asking for a different number – one moment it was 26, another moment it was 4.
The reaction from the kitchen staff gave me an impression that this was not the first time. They were mocking her with sarcastic replies and playfully telling her that her food had flown away. Some of the staff were ignoring her altogether. This agitated her greatly. She started raising her voice and making a scene.
At that point, I decided to have my order delivered instead and left feeling somewhat repulsed by the woman’s shameful behaviour. As I was relating this to my wife (at that point I could hear her asking for the crew to “belanja” her), my wife gently rebuked me. I realised that all the lady wanted was a simple meal and perhaps we should get one for her. After all, a value meal doesn’t cost much. I decided to order for her via the kiosk once one became available.
It was at that point that I observed, from afar, one of the young service crew – possibly in his early 30s – taking some cash from his pocket and adding it to the till and then giving the change to the lady. He proceeded to calmly pack a large paper bag with an assortment of foods. The lady had further demands to add more fries and chicken. She also wanted large soft drinks. All this he quietly fulfilled. She even had the nerve to come back a second time to ask for a separate paper bag for the drinks but the young guy took it all in stride and continued to serve her.
I was at once encouraged and humbled by the compassion and patience shown. I realised that it was easy to judge the crowd who rebuked Bartimaeus but here I was identifying with the crowd and finding her behaviour repulsive. Like the Pharisee crossing the other side of the street and ignoring the need of a neighbour for fear of bringing unnecessary trouble to oneself. At this for a lesser need than that of healing or the restoration of sight! Such a humbling experience indeed!
I believe it was not a coincidence that I encountered a Bartimaeus in the flesh after this week’s sermon. I believe the Holy Spirit was showing me the state of my heart. He was gently teaching me to see to the heart of the matter through the tender and compassionate eyes of Jesus. Seeing the young crew member taking it upon himself to feed a fellow sister has truly humbled me. There are needs I can meet here and now. I can do more for Jesus.