Nudge

A while back, my family and a couple of my neighbors were eating together at a restaurant called the Old Country Store. It's located in a place called "Casey Jones Village." If you have no clue who that is, you're probably not from West Tennessee. Casey Jones is a hero because he was a train engineer that did something brave in some kind of pretty serious train wreck and he died so we think he's awesome. (I forgot some major details of his credibility, obviously). There's even a song about him. I had to learn it in my fifth grade class (part of the curriculum?).

So while we were eating, I was telling everyone at the table about how I knew the song. Our neighbor kid then said that if anyone sings the song in front of everyone in the restaurant, you'll get a free dessert. My dad said that I should do it. That sounded absolutely absurd to me and I REFUSED to even attempt it. So, the next time our waitress came to the table, Dad said,

"This girl right here wants to sing the Casey Jones song for a free dessert."

"Oh, alright. I'll be right back with the cow bell so I can get everyone's attention,"' and then walked away immediately.... before I could even say anything.

The next thing I know, I'm standing up in the middle of a packed dinning room with dozens of people staring at me. I had no choice but to belt it out.

So I did. And I got a free sundae.


Almost every time I think about this incident, I think, "Man, THAT was embarrassing." What I don't usually think about is how it all ended: free ice cream. Also, it's easy for me to think that Dad wanted me to be uncomfortable so the people with me would be entertained, but the fact is, he just wanted me to have that dessert. I perceived that situation as negative, but it was extremely positive. The people in the dinning room clapped and cheered. Some even came up to me at our table and patted me on the back. Obviously, it was a good thing my dad nudged me.


Nudges are signs of a good relationship. The person doing the nudging shows their desire for the "nudgee" to succeed. (It does depend greatly on what it is you're being nudged to do, so just use wisdom). If you ever get a nudge, I suggest you see it as a "I believe in you" message and just do it. I don't think I've ever regretted acting on a nudge from people with wisdom and love.


"And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities."

Hebrews 10:24 Amplified