Becca and Paul (05/22/2025)

Yesterday was my follow up appointment with the surgeon, and as is our custom, my husband and I always have a doctor date, a meal out on appointment days. We chose Burger King because I love their grilled burgers and the town where my doctor’s office is has one while our town does not. When we walked up to the order counter together, a team of two individuals came to the register, Becca and Paul.

Paul addressed us warmly and asked if we were ready to place our order. I started by ordering a whopper with onion rings. As Paul entered my order, he showed Becca where the items were located. When I said I wanted my meal to be large, he showed her how to do that on the screen. When my husband, Ken, ordered a special of 2 junior whoppers, Paul showed Becca the special screen for that. When Ken decided he wanted a meal deal, Paul showed Becca how to add that option on a different screen. Throughout our order, Paul’s care for us as the customer was exemplary and his instructions to Becca were thorough and respectful.

Finally, Becca looked at us and confessed what we already guessed. “It’s my first day.” We smiled and uttered our encouraging, “You’ll be great.” She took over the order, totaled our bill, and helped my husband with prompts as he put it on his credit card. I took her ease as a sign of how well Paul was doing as much as Becca’s mettle. They made a great team.

While we ate, I glanced back to observe the two frequently. Paul’s demeanor was more of a “companion on the journey” than the usual boss training the new gal. It was obvious that he not only wanted Becca to learn the way of their brand, but he also wanted her to succeed. His own demeanor revealed his care and respect for her. And Becca responded by learning quickly and learning well.

Over the years, I myself have been “trained” so many times, and I must confess that rarely was my trainer as kind and respectful as Paul. I reasoned that it was probably his name that marked him as a good trainer as I recalled all of the Apostle Paul’s writings and sermons. Within each, one can hear Paul’s humility recognizing his own needs and failings along the way and wanting to spare us.

Last night as I reflected on my day, it was Becca and Paul that came to mind first. I asked the LORD for guidance along “the Way” that I might be as loving and helpful to others as Paul was to the new gal, Becca. I prayed for the ability to share with others what is necessary for their success on “the Way.” And I prayed that those whom I companion will know that our relationship is more than an obligation, that it is also a new relationship. And I reflected on those who have companioned me along the way. That was a long reflection because I have so many and the number increases by the day.

“The Way” can be intimidating, even frightening at times if we are on it alone. We know, hopefully, that the LORD is with us every step of “the Way,” but even our Savior desired that we go it with others, with companions. May we understand to our core that every step we take is along “the Way” and may we be willing to see others as our companions. May we offer lovingly what we know will help them and may we accept gratefully what they offer to us to help us.

Last night, I thanked the LORD for the image of Becca and Paul, of two on “the Way” who were striving to do their best and to become their best and to support the other along “the Way.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.