“What would you like to order for lunch?”
I was excited about the idea of having a local Indian food. Somehow the food taste different when it is the norm. As I accepted the menu, I found myself biting my tongue. The lunch options were pizza, Indian style. Taking a deep breath, I picked one.
“That will be Rs. 300.”
As I handed the office staffer the bills, I vowed to make sure I asked for a local menu next time. As time passed, I wondered how difficult it was to make a pizza in Chennai. An hour later, the staffer came back.
“My apologies sir, the pizza store is closed. Please choose from this menu.”
My excitement drained as I looked at the Subway menu now in hand. Resigning myself to being stereotyped, I picked a sub filled with Indian ingredients. As I looked at the price, it was nice to see that my lunch was getting cheaper.
When the sack arrived with my sub, I asked for the receipt for my expense report. As I looked at the details, I noted that there was Rs. 60 change.
“Sorry sir, the courier charged Rs. 60 for delivery.”
I looked at him stunned that he thought I was that naïve. In the bigger scheme of things, I was not worried about the dollar. What I hated was that he felt that he needed or could take it from me. What do you do when “everyone talks in lie language; lies slide off their oily lips. They doubletalk with forked tongues.” (Psalm 12.2) My emotions rose to the surface, begging to be heard through words sharpened to a point.
As my body went into action, I found myself taking a slow quiet sigh. As I did, I could feel Life reminding me that God would teach this child in the fullness of time. I sensed that it was not my lesson to give.
“Thank-you. I appreciate your help.”
Sometimes it is time to call evil by its right name. Sometimes it is better to let it go.
