This was a Facebook post I wrote 5 years ago today. Location was Manhattan Beach.
<confession> #UberStory
This year Christmas is on a serious budget, dare I say, tight.
Usually, I like going all out giving and buying presents 
but with unexpected and unforeseen events…
Let’s just say I’ve been Ubering today since 8:30am in the hopes of helping God make a way out of no way.
My last trip’s destination was Olive Garden and even though it’s DEFINITELY NOT in my budget, I broke down and decided to eat here.
I sat at the bar bypassing the wait.
And thought, ok, I’ll just look at my phone.
This nice lady sat next to me after first checking if the seat was free. “Definitely,” I said then going back to my phone. She then asked if I knew what time the malls close. “Late, I hope” she said trying to engage me.
“I would think. But I don’t live here,” I said, thinking that should be all of her questions. See? I shouldn’t have stopped in here to eat. I should still be working. This is the price I have to pay. After talking to customers all day, now, I have to continue.
After feeling convicted, I volunteered that I was here because I Uber. And that’s what brought me here. We then chatted a little and I partly thought it was the wine that made her want to keep engaging me.
There was even a time where I kind of ignored her talking because I wanted to get the attention of the bartender so I could order already.
After a little while, her and her husband’s table was ready and they left. As they were leaving, I perked up and wished them a Merry Christmas.
Finally in peace, I scarfed food down like it was the first real meal I had all day <it was> and thought the sooner I finish, the sooner I can get back to Ubering. Maybe even go even later to make up for this dinner.
I hurriedly asked the bartender for the check and it sounded like he said, “It’s already here.” I started looking under the plates not knowing how I could’ve missed it.
“I can’t find it.”
“It’s already paid.”
“I’m sorry?”
“A customer already took care of it. Merry Christmas.”
<tears>
#MerryChristmas#angels#unaware#grace#mercy#undeserved#gift#Jesus#olivegarden
Lorinda Hawkins Smith 