Everyday Heroes

With our departure close at hand, it's been hard to keep the reason for our trip at the front of my mind as I've been planning so much as far as logistics, equipment, etc over the last few weeks. Tonight, as I was driving home from law school, rather discouraged, our goal got brought back into focus. At the Taco Bell drive-thru...

"Welcome to Taco Bell, would you like to try a combo?"

"Um, no, thanks. Um, give me a second..."

"OK, take your time"

"Um, alright, I'll have 3 soft tacos please"

"Would you like anything else?"

"Well, a small... a small Pepsi please"

"Alright, anything else?"

"No thanks."

"Alright, your total is $3.52. Pull up to the window"

"Um, are you sure that's right?"

"Yes, first window please"

As I pulled up to the window, I wondered if the young guy at the other end of that menu microphone had forgotten to charge me for my drink. So, I asked.

"Um, I don't think you charged me for my drink..."

I never expected the answer I received from the young, tattooed, unshaven employee that was working the window. This was the kind of person that you'd never give a second glance at ordinarily. No meaningful relationship has ever been formed through fast food service at a window, no wisdom ever gleaned. But apparently this guy hadn't gotten that memo...

"Yeah, you kinda hesitated when I asked you what you wanted. Sounded like maybe you wanted more than you'd ordered, but didn't know if you could pay for it. I always wonder when people order off the value menu, I mean I know times are tough, so I like to help when I can. It's $3.52 bud, you want any sauce?"

Recognizing the needs of others, often the unspoken ones, is what brings about change in people's lives. Going the extra mile means more than doing what we're asked and expected to do. As Gandhi once put it, "Be the change you want to see in the world." My change started tonight. For 99 cents.

-Rik