One late night, weary from a string of delayed and frustrating flights I found myself arriving in Atlanta and heading to the car rental facility on an empty stomach.
As I departed the secured area, I saw the IHOP Express restaurant and walked to the register. A young man working there didn’t make eye contact with me but slowly came to the register. Without looking up, he said something I couldn’t quite hear and when he repeated it, I realized he said simply, “What?”
After a few awkward moments, I said, “Ahh, yeah – can I have 2 eggs and 3 pancakes, with a water, please?” I noticed 2 “no cash transactions” signs prominently posted. I pulled my card out to pay.
The young man punched my order into the computer and motioned to the seating area, “sit where ever you’d like – your food will be out soon.” He, then, gave me the receipt to sign and added, “we only take cash tips.”
I paused for a moment and said, “ok,” recognizing that the restaurants signage clearly stated the opposite.
I found a seat and my food quickly followed. As I ate I thought about what had transpired. Clearly, the young man didn’t want me to write the tip onto the credit card receipt – he wanted cash. And, clearly, the stores ownership and/or management wanted no cash exchanging hands.
When I travel, I typically don’t pay much attention to carrying cash. And this night was no different. But I did have a couple of larger bills that had yet to be broken.
Some readers may recall the story of the shoe shiner who told me years ago that the cost for his services was, “whatever makes you feel good!” I remembered that story that night as I finished my meal.
I left one of the large bills on the table as I scarfed down my food and departed unnoticed.
I hoped him finding the tip made his evening, but my response really wasn’t about him or his service (or lack thereof).
My choice was about me – or better yet – who I aspire to me.
Generous, even when I’m tired. Even when I’m hungry. Even when the service is less than fantastic.
I don’t always hit that mark, of course.
But on that night, I decided to, “tip the amount that would make me feel good.” And I’m glad I did.
It’s a small reminder that our work is never about taking anything from donors. It’s always about creating opportunities for them to experience the deep joy that comes with being generous.
Because giving isn’t really about the receiver. It’s about the giver.
