A Gentle Spirit Before God: A Story

Image: Ismael Paramo via Unsplash

"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand" Philippians 4:5 (NKJV).

Picture this–Ray is behind the service counter at the bustling family-owned restaurant. It’s a Sunday morning. It seems like everyone comes in after the 8:30 am church service lets out.

Ray sings and dances as he snatches one order ticket after the next, scrambling eggs and flipping blueberry pancakes.

Ray is the head cook and (as needed) dishwasher. He has been consistently showing up to work with a smile on his face for the last 10 years. Ray is a decorated (Bronze Star) Army veteran, a loving husband and father, and, above all, a man of God.

He is what most employers would call an “irreplaceable” employee. The customers agree; thank-you notes and letters from locals and customers around the world plaster the walls of the old eating establishment. One Hollywood celebrity even wrote, “Ray cooks with love, just like grandma used to.”

That afternoon, as Ray’s shift ended, Mr. Hankins, the owner, stopped by. “Ray, you got a few minutes to talk?” he said. Ray respectfully nodded, “Only if you are going to ask me to do a second shift, or if it’s about God. Otherwise, no.”

Mr. Hankins smiled and said, “It’s about your faith, Ray. What’s your secret ingredient? I know it’s not powered sugar you sprinkle on those pancakes.”

Ray looked out the window and said,

“While I was in the VA hospital, I read a small book, ‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ by Brother Lawrence. It changed my life. From that moment until now, I have done everything for the love of God, including sprinkling powdered sugar on blueberry pancakes. Like Brother Lawrence, I cook for the love of God, and I wash dishes for the same love of God. If I see a piece of paper on the sidewalk, I pick it up for the love of God. Every heartbeat, every breath, I dedicate to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, every conversation I have needs to focus on God. The closer I get to God–in every moment-the further I get from who I used to be.”

As a Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Hankins understood Ray and the past he was trying to leave behind. Although their wars were different, their nightmares were the same. This is why Mr. Hankins was so interested in Ray’s faith. He watched Ray’s faith shine a Light month after month, year after year, since Ray came to work for him. The light has gotten brighter over time. But until now, Mr. Hankins would always scoff and say under his breath, “Don’t mean nothin'.”

But something was changing inside Mr. Hankins. He wanted to be more like his employee, Ray. He always sensed within Ray a strength, a confidence, a power akin to having an army of Green Beret soldiers who have your back.

Ray’s strength was subtle. What was obvious was his gentle spirit, always reflecting something greater than himself–always serving something more important than even his beloved customers.

Ray went home that afternoon, unaware of the profound impact he had on his boss. When Mr. Hankins returned to his office, he fell to his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks, and asked God to forgive him of his sins. Although he was in his mid-70s, Mr. Hankins became a new man in God’s eyes that afternoon.

He took out a pen and a simple note card. On it, he wrote, “Thank you, Ray, for being an irreplaceable man of God. You saved my life and my eternity.” He tapped the note to the wall among the sea of cards and letters.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help each of us become like Ray—gentle in spirit and steadfast in love—as we shine Your Light in a dark world. Amen.

Related Fruit of the Spirit Posts:

Peace with God: Ending the Tug of War

Teaching Your Son a Gentle and Quiet Spirit: Titus 3:2