“A plate of eggs”

We often fail to realize that our simplest acts become a beacon of hope for those who are lost at sea. 

I was feeling a bit hesitant to wake up one Saturday morning. The countless sleepless nights I’ve endured left my body feeling heavier. 

"How long has it been?" I silently asked while drawing another mark on my calendar—almost half of my contract. I took a deep breath.  

I put on my white apron and tried to smile, preparing for another long day in the kitchen. 

As I walked straight to my workplace, I couldn't help but notice a familiar figure—the guy who used to say "good morning" with the sweetest intonation I ever heard. 

But that day, he didn’t say a word; it was as if his mind was drifting somewhere else. 

I turned on the stove and handed him a plate of eggs and some bacon not long after.   

“Good morning, sir. What seems to be the problem?” I asked. 

“Nothing. But thank you,” he said as he discreetly wiped his tears. 

"I’m here if you need someone to talk to," I said, patting his shoulders. 

A few days later, while doing routine cabin cleaning, I noticed his untidy room and a Bible beside his bed. One verse was highlighted: Isaiah 41:10. 

A sentence struck me: "I will strengthen you, and I will help you.” 

The next morning, I handed him the same plate of eggs. He raised his head and smiled. I felt relieved.  

"Thank you, sir. You're the best," he finally said in his usual sweet intonation. 

“Sorry if I haven't cleaned my cabin lately. I have a lot of thoughts running through my head. But I guess what saved me was this plate of eggs you serve early in the morning."   

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused. 

"You made me realize that even if I drown myself with a lot of worries, there's always one person who might be going through worse but still managed to serve me a plate of delicious eggs accompanied by a smile," he said. 

I felt a bit shy because of what he said, but I was inspired to work from that day on. 

I guess that was just a plain, simple plate of eggs for me, a part of my job. But now I know that it was hope in the eyes of someone else.

This story reminds us that even the smallest gestures can carry more meaning than we realize. What may seem ordinary to one person can provide comfort and make life on board a little brighter for another. 

Look out for more stories like this in the next Bow News!