Free Pancake
I was in Guangzhou, China last week for a business meeting. Upon my return to Manila, I had a very early flight to Hongkong. I do take heavy breakfast daily. Since my flight to HK was at 8am, I was caught hungry at the Guangzhou airport. However, I almost had no cash anymore, and so it was such a challenge finding something to eat with around 5 USD cash. The restaurants at that airport do not accept credit cards.
I chose a cafe which I thought had reasonable prices. I decided to order a chocolate pancake worth 40 Yuan. I had only 27 Yuan and 2 US dollars left in my wallet. I asked for the USD conversion to Chinese Yuan and it was 7.5. So I had enough for one order of chocolate pancake; I paid 25 Yuan and 2 dollars. Good I brought with me one bottle of mineral water, a left over from my meeting. And so I ate my breakfast.
After I consumed my pancake, the waitress was coming to me with a big smile. Then with some side laugh she said, "My manager thinks you may still be hungry, here is another pancake for you for free". I was caught off guard, but managed to say "Thank you very much, xie xie ni!" and had a big smile. I never pretended I did not want the free pancake nor was I not hungry. I happily received the treat and consumed it heartily.
Then the waitress again approached me and made small talk. She said the manager had two bowls of soup that morning. To my mind, he was used by God to be filled with compassion for me so I can have enough for my breakfast even as my money was lacking. She seemed to have been amused by me and also told me “You have nice skin". I was really amazed. I was the one given free food and yet I was also the one complimented.
God knows and provides for everything that I need. He knows my appetite and he provided for enough filling for me that morning. Not to forget that chocolate pancakes are one of my favorites. I am sure that it was no coincidence that I found favor in the eyes of the restaurant manager and staff. It was God providing for her hungry daughter. Isn’t it amazing?! All praise be to God, my ever generous Provider!
