East Idaho News reporter Nate Eaton provided this lovely story about the heart of service, the heart of compassion, and what it means to serve the community. It highlights the thoughtful actions of a Gen Z fast food worker, so, once again, it feels good to say, The Kids are All Right.
Service above and beyond is the subject of this week's Feel-Good Friday.
A man wrote to Eaton and asked him to find a young fast-food worker named Matthew, who worked at the McDonald's in Rexburg, ID. The man wanted Matthew to get recognition for his act of kindness toward him, and knew that the reporter would be a great avenue in which to do that.
The man told Eaton:
On Friday evening, I went to McDonald’s for dinner and ordered a hamburger and a shake. Between the order board and the pay window, I realized that I didn’t have my card with me. Frantically I started to look for it, I could not not find it, and asked to just cancel the order. And this young man offered to pay for my meal.
Eaton did locate Matthew, and had him relate the story of this exchange. The detail Matthew gave reflected that it was more than just a payment for a meal, but the patience, time, and attention he gave this customer. In the below video, Matthew said:
So, I was just doing back drive, helping out customers, and a guy comes in, he couldn't find his wallet, so he was trying to figure out how to do the TAP on his phone, but we just couldn't get it figured out, so I just offered to pay for it.
Matthew said this so matter-of-factly, as if it was an automatic response that he didn't have to think about. But what Matthew said next so beautifully embodied his heart, his mindset, and his character. "It's not hard on me," Matthew said. "It's money I can give out to the community, help other people, so, I don't have a problem with it."
It's money I can give out to the community. What a thoughtful and selfless statement from one so young. The man insisted on repaying Matthew for his kindness, and tried to connect, but wasn't having success. In his note to Eaton, the man said:
He kept insisting that it was okay so I agreed if he would give me his name and phone number and I would pay him back. So this morning, I called. No answer, so I texted the number he gave me about 10:30 a.m. and as of yet I have not had any reply. I would like to pay him back. And I feel that it was an act of kindness that should be recognized and to his parents two 👍👍. You do not see this very often from young people nowadays. I do not know where he lives, he works at McDonald’s on the north side of Rexburg.
This man is right: sadly, you don't see this type of attitude, customer service, and awareness in young people today; so, when you encounter it, it's surprising, like a cool breeze on a hot day. Huge applause to his parents, who raised him well and not only taught him the importance of a work ethic, but the importance of honoring others and meeting the moment.
Matthew is articulate, and has a fabulous smile. His exchange with Nate Eaton will put a smile on your face.
WATCH:
Editor's Note: At RedState, it's not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what's good in the world, with columns like "Feel-Good Friday," "Start Your Weekend Right," and "Hoge's Heroes."
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