There is a small roadsid diner/cafe in Mineral WellsTexas., I will call “Jake’s”. Jack and I stop there some times coming or going to the lake. Jake and Clara, his main waitress, now recognize us and we’re warmly welcomed when they see us come through the door. Last week we stopped for lunch on the way home from Possum Kingdom Lake, and I headed for the rest room, which turned out to be locked. I mentioned it to Clara, and she loudly speculated that someone from the kitchen must be using it. When another woman asked the same question Clara pointed to me from across the room , and announced, again loudly, “That lady is waiting for the restroom, too. We’re trying to find out why it’s locked!” I received many sympathetic looks from almost every table, as Clara’s voice carried throughout the diner. Jack asked me if I would like to leave and maybe return later, but I declined, as we had already ordered lunch. Eventually the door was unlocked and the other lady was told, also loudly, “That lady (indicating me) was waiting first!”. but it fell on deaf ears. Eventually it was my turn and everyone in the place returned to their lunches. As we finally left, I received more understanding smiles from men as well as women.

I did silently pray during this fiasco that I might disappear by some supernatural means, but I dimly recalled a scripture from St. Paul: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3;12-13)

I knew that I had nothing to forgive, for no one had acted with malice toward me; and that I had no reason to be resentful. Also, I had no reason to avoid Jake’s on future trips through Mineral Wells. After all, this was the one and only time that I had ever had an uncomfortable time in the diner. The promises of God came to mind, and I knew again that they are true: The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your soul, and live. (Deuteronomy 30:6)

I knew that St. Paul’s heart had been circumcised , or he could not have been the spokesman for God’s son that he was.

Humility is painful to learn. It will be quite a long time before I return to Jake’s Diner, but I feel sure that I will return.

Love in Him,

Prue