My wife and I recently traveled downstate to visit our son and daughter-in-law at their new apartment in Novi. One of the things we did while there was take them out for brunch to a wonderful restaurant called First Watch. As our friendly waitress was bringing our drinks, I couldn’t help but notice she had the date 12:26 tattooed on her throat.
I was curious about it so when she moved on to another table, I Googled “12:26.” The first answer that came up was a reference something called an “angel number” which was 1226. It explained that this number “suggesting a period of balance and harmony between spiritual and material pursuits.” Huh?! I shared this info with the table and everyone thought, “Yeah, probably her angel number.” But I wasn’t convinced. My curiosity was piqued more.
One reason I wasn’t convinced was because our waitress’ number had a colon. The colon separated the 12 from the 26. That indicates a date. December 26. I asked my family, “would you be embarrassed if I asked her what her tattoo means?” With their approval, I knew I had to ask.Our waitress came back with our appetizer of 12 delightful pumpkin spice balls with cream cheese and chocolate dip. After setting them on the table, she asked if we needed anything. I quickly said, “No, but I have a question.” “I’m sure you get this question all the time, but what does your tattoo mean?”
She smiled, stood up straighter and said, “It’s my birthday!” “Oh, nice,” I said. Then she followed up with, “And it’s also a Bible verse in Proverbs.” “Oh, what does that verse say?” I asked. To which she responded that it’s similar to the verse about iron sharpening iron and that it refers to a righteous person being a guide to their neighbor. Or on the flip-side a wicked person will lead them astray. She smiled again and then returned to her duties.
I was inspired and my heart was lifted when I heard her testimony. Right there in the middle of a busy restaurant, in a city unknown to me, she was sharing scripture with a stranger. How refreshing how powerful.
“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26