While working a first job at sixteen isn't that far-fetched, I had a reason for needing to do this. As much as I thought it unfair to have to hand over my checks every pay day to my stepfather who had lost his job...again, it did help to instill a certain work ethic. Working until 1 am on the weekends and some after school weekdays while having to be at early morning rehearsals so that I could continue to perform was hard, but it didn't kill me. I was just really tired.
Fast forward to this morning after church. My oldest son and my daughter came with me this morning, and I took them to Panera Bread for lunch. I was craving broccoli cheddar soup since the temperature was down in the 50's again in Nashville today.
We were eating our meal and there was a large family/group sitting behind us. I couldn't help overhear some of their conversation and they seemed to have a superficial air about them. People are people though, so at first this was simply amusing to me since I often wonder what motivates those around me to act in certain ways.
Engaging in conversation with my children, I was grateful to be able to take them to lunch and have a meal. After hearing of the extravagant vacation the family behind us is planning to take this summer, their little boy came right up to Scarlett while she is eating. He practically sits in her chair. She is shocked, but smiles at him anyway with as much grace as a five year old can muster.
This doesn't bother me as much as the overall attitude of the group. I figure he's a child and it isn't that big of a deal. I guess the parents didn't think it a big deal either because they didn't even give the usual apologetic smile. I know all about the apologetic smile because I have a strong-willed five year old myself. I don't allow her to run crazy and sit in stranger's laps however.
The group left shortly after that, and left everything on their table. Yes, everything from the abundance of trash to every dirty dish, not to mention the mess on the floor. Excuse me? I believe that is why they have the garbage cans with the little compartments to put your used plates and silverware.
I could be wrong, but the last time I checked, if you are able to walk and prance around in your heels and Louis Vuitton bag hanging carelessly on your shoulder, you can pick up after yourself. Okay, forget the heels and bag. If you can walk and take care of yourself, you can pick up your mess.
It wasn't just me that was disgusted by this behavior. A mother with her teenage son came in shortly after saying that she would hate to see their house. I couldn't help but think that their house is probably clean due to having a professional come in for this particular reason. There were several people looking for a seat who couldn't sit down because of the mess that was left in the crowded Sunday afternoon establishment.
At any rate, it got me thinking about why people feel that it is their right to impose on others in that way. Whether it is leaving a huge mess to be cleaned up, or even leaving a shopping cart in the parking lot, human beings have gotten lazy for the most part. I realize these are small complaints as far as the big picture is concerned, but is it not the small things that pave the way for larger things?
Not putting up the shopping cart is one I really don't understand. Why is it so hard to walk the extra few steps it takes to get to the cart return? I look at that opportunity as a blessing. If I didn't have the use of my legs I damn sure would wish I could walk the extra few steps, but that is just me.
My oldest son and I ended up having a conversation with the mother and her son about teenage chores. Her son assured Che` that he has to do them too. Perhaps in the grand scheme of the afternoon, the rude family leaving their mess paved the way for us to have the conversation with the nice woman and her son.
Scarlett also chimed in from time to time and said, "Mommy those people need to clean up trash. We are learning about littering. I'm learning all about cleaning up our land." I'm hoping she remembers these talks when she has to put her toys away.
In the end, my children and I were full, and had decent conversations amongst ourselves and others. We also cleaned up after ourselves.
