Ok, I am not a fan of our “tipping” economy here in the United States. I hate it, in fact. I know many people disagree with me, and I recognize their points.

For example, some would say I will get better service if my server at a restaurant is anticipating a good tip. I say the restaurant owner should be responsible for the quality of service they provide, since it’s part of what I’m paying for when I eat out. If the service is bad, I won’t eat there again.

The price that is listed should be the price I pay. For everything actually. (Sales tax should also be built in to prices. Why should I have to do math to figure out what something will actually cost me?)

So, I think the cost of a meal at a restaurant should include a fair wage for the staff that presents it to me. All of them. The valet, the host, the server, the dishwasher, the cook, the accountant, whoever. This will make the cost of eating out higher for bad tippers, but as it is, the cost is born by just the generous ones, or those who feel obliged and self-conscious.

“Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

Perhaps you think I’m just stingy or cheap or selfish. But it’s not that. I give generously and frequently to many charities. And I do it gladly. But a restaurant is not a charity. It is a store. The employer should pay their employees, not me. I want servers to make a reasonable wage, just like every other job should earn a reasonable wage. And in turn, when I purchase something, I should know in advance what the cost will be.

But unless something changes drastically, tipping is here to stay. So I tip. Generously. And I try hard to be cheerful about it.

Dear God,

I am so grateful for all that you have blessed me with. Thank you for this country and the freedom I have to do simple things like eat at a restaurant. Show me how to be generous with the resources you have provided me. Teach me your priorities and forgive me if my priorities don’t line up with yours.