We rushed into the restaurant, cold wind blowing behind us as we pushed through the glass doors. This would be our third attempt. We’d stopped at two other restaurants: one where the smiling hostess predicted an hour wait, the other with such a packed lobby we didn’t bother asking. I wrestled with my impatience.
Tonight my youngest daughter was in charge. All day she’d listened to her older sister’s growing excitement for sleepover plans with friends. To cheer her up, we offered to dine at the restaurant of her choosing. The long wait times, however, rapidly sucked the fun out of everything. By the time we walked into this restaurant, I didn’t care what they served. I was impatient and hungry.
Tables were available. Delicious smells greeted us. Our moods lightened as we agreed on appetizers. As the waitress took our order, I noticed something scribbled on the inside of her arm. It peeked out from her short sleeve. I struggled to read it. Then she turned slightly and it came into view.
God Bless You.
Inked on the inside of her arm in an unusual scrawl: God Bless You. My breath caught as I digested the message. I felt my annoyance over the restaurant search leak out of me. Despite my best efforts to stay mindful lately, I’d struggled with too much hurrying and not enough being. The restaurant roared around me, but this moment gave me pause.
“I like your tattoo,” I said. Her brown eyes showed surprise, then warmed.
“Really? Thank You! It’s new. I just… [Read more…] about Written in Ink