Our pizza nights began sporadically right after our move but became very regular after I was diagnosed with cancer. It was an easy meal option and afforded me the opportunity not to cook. The first few times, my husband, Phil, went to the restaurant alone to pick up the pizza. I was either not feeling up to it or I was in my pajamas. He didn't mind. Soon he began to talk to Sam and they quickly became friends. Phil's just that way, he never meets a stranger. As they talked, my husband told Sam that I'd just had surgery for breast cancer and Sam, with a very concerned look on his face said, "I'll pray for her."
Every time hubby went to pick up our pizza, Sam would ask how I was doing. He wasn't just asking to ask, he genuinely cared. We were amazed at how a complete stranger could show such love and concern. When my husband would come home with the pizza, he'd come inside and say, "Sam said to tell you hello, he's been praying for you." Over and over again this kept happening.
One day, I decided I needed to meet Sam. I got dressed, slipped on a jacket and went with my husband to get the pizza. As we walked inside the store, Phil introduced me to Sam. Sam was a big guy, and I don't mean tall...he was round! He came out from behind the counter and gave me a huge bear hug. "It's so nice to meet you," he said. "I've been praying for you." We made small talk for a few minutes and then left.
On the way home from the restaurant, I told Phil I was going to write to the company headquarters and compliment them on their employee. Not only did he show genuine caring and concern for us, he was a very competent employee. Phil agreed that it was a good idea and it was settled.
The next day, I wrote a long letter to Papa Johns and sent it off in the mail. I was surprised a few days later when I received an email from the main headquarters thanking me for acknowledging Sam. They said they'd received many compliments on him in the past and weren't at all surprised to be getting my letter. They told me they'd make sure he received recognition for a job well done.
Last night, I got online and ordered our pizzas. When it was time to pick them up, I decided to go with Phil since I'd been cooped up in the house all day. I sat in the car as he went in to get our order. I could see him talking with Sam and in just a few minutes, Sam came over to my side of the car. I unrolled the window and he asked if he could give me a hug. Naturally, I smiled at him and said, "sure." He reached inside and planted a big kiss on top of my head and hugged me. Then he thanked me for writing the company about him. He said his store manager had commended him for doing such a great job and had rewarded him with a nice gift card. He asked if I would mind speaking to his manager for just a minute and he quickly went inside to get her.
The store manager was a young woman around 30. I was surprised to see that she held a management position at such a young age. She introduced herself and thanked me for taking the time to write the company about Sam and I told her it was my honor.
On our way home, I began to tear up. One simple gesture had started an avalanche of kindness. It made me realize that kind words and deeds are so very needed in today's world. Sam thought I had done him a huge favor by reporting his kindness to the company but in fact, Sam had ministered to me more than he knew. A complete stranger had committed to lift me up in prayer and had been diligent to continue over the weeks that followed. I know Sam received a nice gift card as a reward from his employer but he'll receive an even greater reward one day when he stands before the throne of Christ.
I'm so thankful we were able to befriend Sam. What a blessing he has been to us. I think God strategically places people in our lives to minister to us or perhaps for us to minister to them. You know that old saying about "angels unawares," well, be careful with the people you meet, you just never know...
© bonnie annis
