Martins

Well this last weekend was a bit of a blur… My youngest had her last middle school play and then my oldest had a “Mother/Daughter” event at her sorority the next day. So we all attended Callie’s play Friday and then drove to Athens Friday night. I also brought along Doodle and Tracy for entertainment purposes. We made a lot of memories in a short trip.

We hurried back to celebrate Monty’s mom and then we all just were exhausted. Catie went back to school and I dropped Callie off this morning and then the sweetest thing happened.

I have to start by saying, I haven’t been good on my eating as of late. I have become a “twice a week” visitor to Martins. I’ll admit, it’s not the best of choices for healthy eating but still I go for the bacon… So about a year ago they started training this little young girl. I could tell she was different and they worked with her every time on counting the change, talking to the customers, making sure order is correct and so on.. I mean she works all the time and to date, I can’t remember me going without seeing her. My story, is not really about me as much as it’s about her. She has a job that she is serious about. I have seen her get more and more comfortable and she doesn’t need help anymore. In fact, when I come through she remembers me and says “I put a knife and your favorite jelly in the bag.” Lol. She also will say “You must not be going in today because you have on your pajamas.” (Don’t judge.. it’s cold in the am) My point being, so many young kids today don’t work. They don’t have manners, and it would be beneath them to eat, much less work at Martins. She is so precious and she knows her customers. I’d say Chick-fil-A wouldn’t find a better worker than her. She makes every and I mean every experience with her a pleasure.

I then began wondering if I make people feel that way. Obviously, I had to say no. I get so wrapped up in my world that I do sometimes forget to check in on my people. Her little life is so big to her and to God. She makes an impact daily and I’m sure on more than just me. Every day we come across people who are fighting battles we have no clue about. When we were in Athens, Tracy and I met a person who told us all about a depression they had battled all their life. We didn’t know them at all. Just said hello when we sat down for a second and before we left, we knew the whole story.

My friend Wade used to say all I ever wrote about was making sure people knew they matter and perhaps it’s true. I think we get hung up on the fancy clothes and big trips and forget about the day to day living. We see these people who need to know they make a difference. Literally, all day I have thought about that girl. Like I hope if you ever go through the drive thru, you tell her how amazing she’s doing. Better yet.. try to do it to all the service people you meet. I mean… if they are doing their best and even if they are not… say “I hope your day gets better”.. yes I’m preaching to the choir.

To see the change…you have to be the change. I’m talking to the girl in the mirror. I walked into that event Saturday morning in Athens, so nervous and instead I should have been so proud of my Catie doing so well. I reined it in about halfway through but fear will stop you in your tracks. (Or it does me) To walk into a big event, is almost crippling to me. I let the enemy sneak in but I also surround myself with encouragers who remind me of who’s I am and who I am.

Tonight if you wonder.. you are enough and you matter. If you hate your job, or maybe you’re not where you want to be in your career, or your marriage or your “diet”. It’s all about remembering that you’re trying and showing up. You are making the effort. Could it be better? Sure it could but tomorrow is a new day. Check yourself and check on your circle and keep on. Be like the sweet girl at the drive thru!! I’ve learned a big lesson today. Im gonna do better. P.S. You matter!!!