Because of his harsh demeanor, my father-in-law caused a ruckus in a restaurant, sowing dissension among the diners with his conceit. He had no idea that karma itself was about to teach him a lesson he would never forget. What started out as just an effort to make his will known turned into a life-changing event that he had been missing for a long time.
I have always been a firm believer in karma, the notion that deeds eventually come full circle. I never would have thought that this idea would come into play so quickly and plainly as it did over a memorable evening with my father-in-law, Benjamin.
Benjamin is adamant that he is the universe’s center and should be given every comfort and care. Karma was prepared to serve as a harsh reality check that evening.
Consider the following scenario: Benjamin took my husband, Sam, and me—let’s call me Linda—out to dinner at what he declared to be the “premier restaurant in the state.” Like a guy preparing for a protracted siege, he placed extravagant orders, setting the stage for a display of karmic justice with many burgers and an enormous number of fries, among other things.
Benjamin deftly hid one of the burgers beneath a napkin after our first order was delivered—a seemingly insignificant gesture that would quickly evolve into a spectacular demonstration of karma.
Benjamin became really angry and pretended to be furious when the server came back to see how we were doing, accusing her of not bringing one of his hamburgers. He bellowed loudly across the eatery, “I specifically requested four hamburgers! Why are there just three servings? Tables around him stared at him incredulously.
“I am pretty sure all four were served, sir,” the waiter, who was the epitome of poise and patience, reassured him.
Are you saying that I’m lying? There are just three people here, obviously! With a tone full of contempt, Benjamin shot back, cutting through the normal din of talk in the café.
Despite my strong desire to defend the wrongfully accused waiter, my spouse tactfully placed his hand beneath the table to indicate that I should hold off on speaking out, as he was aware of his father’s tendency to inflame arguments.
The waitress, certain that she had given the appropriate order in the first place, apologized and grudgingly decided to bring over another burger after realizing that Benjamin represented those stubborn patrons who never seem to be convinced they are wrong.
She came back with a fifth hamburger for my gregarious father-in-law, and although we were privately disgusted with his behavior, we chose not to express our opinions in order to avoid creating further commotion. Benjamin grinned broadly, pleased with his cunning triumph.
He had no idea that the cosmos was preparing to teach him a valuable lesson in humility.
Benjamin was relieved to get home, but his joy was short-lived when he discovered his wallet was gone. His thoughts going back to the restaurant, he looked desperately, the tension in the air growing.
When he contacted the restaurant in a state of desperation, the same waiter answered. She stated that his wallet had been located in a steady, calm voice. But she also told him about an unforeseen development.
The restaurant had an odd policy, one that Benjamin had once made fun of, which stated that anything left over after an hour would be given to charity.
He quickly told us, “They may have given all my money away; we must go back,” horrified by the prospects. He was clearly distressed, but there was also a clear sense that justice was being done.
Benjamin was met with the height of sarcasm as we hurried back to the institution. With a subdued smile of validation, the server gave him an envelope from the nonprofit. It had receipts in it that demonstrated how his money had bought food for a number of the homeless that same evening.
Benjamin remained silent, a rare flash of humility overshadowing his typically haughty manner. Sam used the chance to speak out against his father’s conduct more forcefully in the car, which started a heartfelt conversation about respect, appreciation, and the results of our actions.
Sam said, gently but firmly, “Dad, the way you treated that waiter was disrespectful, and forgetting your wallet was probably a direct result of your actions.”
Benjamin started to cry as Sam went on, saying, “This kind of behavior is why mom left.” You’ve always behaved as though your actions have no consequences.
Sam was alluding to Benjamin’s divorce from his wife Diana, who had put up with his entitlement and adultery until she was unable to take it any longer. Equipped with proof from personal inquiries, she firmly filed for divorce from him, taking everything with her and relocating overseas. Sam and I were the only ones who kept in touch with her via sporadic messages and video chats.
Sam’s emotional confrontation with Benjamin and the entire incident at the restaurant signaled a major turning point in our family dynamics—not just for Benjamin but for the whole unit.
For all those concerned, particularly Benjamin who had never previously had to confront the consequences of his own conceit, it was a moving and therapeutic moment. Karma taught him a valuable and evident lesson that led him to volunteer and make new connections with individuals he had forgotten about in the past—the very people who had profited from his inadvertent generosity.
Our family get-togethers, which had previously been tense, have now become times of deep discussion and shared laughter. Benjamin, who had previously caused division, now served as a catalyst for harmony, showing the transformational potential of empathy and kindness.
That’s the story of the lost wallet and the concealed hamburger that gave us all a great insight into the concept of karma. The cosmos never ignores a good deed, no matter how tiny. Benjamin believed that humility and compassion are the real roads to satisfaction, and that he had learnt this lesson the hard way.
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