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I’ve always believed in karma—the idea that what goes around, comes around. But I never imagined it would happen the way it did, or as quickly, as it did one evening with my father-in-law (FIL), Benjamin.
Benjamin, bless his heart, thinks the entire universe revolves around him and exists to fulfill his every desire. And on this particular day, karma decided to teach him a lesson.
It all started when Linda, my husband Sam, and I went out to dinner with Benjamin at a neighborhood eatery he insisted was the “best in the state.” He’s the type who orders like he’s preparing for a food crisis—four burgers, fries, the works!
After our waiter brought our food, Benjamin discovered a “missing” burger. He exploded like a volcano, his face painted with dismay and wrath. “Four burgers was my order. Why are there only three?!” he yelled, drawing unwanted attention.
The patient server reassured him, “I made sure I put them all in the bag, sir.”
“Are you blind? There are only three!” Benjamin’s condescending voice cut through the restaurant’s noise.
I wanted to defend the poor server, but my husband knew his father would only make a bigger scene. Gently, he took my hand and urged me to keep quiet.
Sam’s instincts are always right, especially when it comes to his father, so I sat back and watched the spectacle unfold.
The server apologized and said, “I’ll fetch you an additional one,” though she seemed sure she had brought all four. We sat there, quietly fuming as Benjamin smirked, thinking he’d won.
He had no idea that the universe was about to serve him a GIANT helping of humility!
When we got home, his smugness quickly turned to panic. His wallet was missing. His face went white as he realized it must be at the restaurant.
With knowing looks, Sam and I shared silent thoughts.
Desperate, Benjamin called the restaurant, and the same waiter answered. You could almost hear the calm satisfaction in her voice when she said she had found his wallet. However, there was a twist he hadn’t anticipated.
The restaurant had a policy, which Benjamin had always mocked, that any lost items not claimed within an hour would be given to charity.
The realization hit him like a freight train. “I think they gave away all my money. We need to go back,” he said, his voice filled with terror. I thought justice had been served, but that was just the beginning!
We hurried back to the restaurant and encountered the height of irony. The waiter handed him an envelope from the nonprofit and thanked him for his “kind donation” before offering him a “free beverage.”
Inside the envelope were receipts showing how his money had bought dinner for several homeless people that night.
A rare moment of humility replaced his usual arrogance. My husband took this moment to gently address his father’s behavior, sparking a heartfelt discussion about respect, gratitude, and the ripple effect of our actions.
“Dad, you know what you did to that waiter was wrong, and it’s probably why you forgot your wallet at the restaurant,” Sam said as we got to the car. “You always think you can do anything without consequences.”
With tears in his eyes, Sam added, “You know that’s part of the reason why Mom isn’t with us today.”
Benjamin ended up living with us because his wife, Sam’s mother, divorced him and took everything. Benjamin repeatedly cheated on Diana, a sweet and loving woman who would’ve given the world to him.
When she finally got tired of his entitlement, she took him to court, armed with years of evidence of his infidelity. She’d known all along but only confronted him a few times, and he arrogantly replied, “I am the MAN in this household, and I don’t have to answer to YOU!”
However, he definitely “answered” to her when she filed for divorce and won everything. She sold it all and moved to another country, keeping in touch only through texts and video calls with Sam and me.
It was a painful yet cathartic experience for all, especially for Benjamin, who had never faced such direct consequences for his entitlement. The restaurant incident and Sam’s heartfelt confrontation marked a turning point for Benjamin and our family.
The lesson from karma was clear and profound, leading Benjamin to vow to change. He began volunteering and connecting with the homeless people who had benefited from his loss.
Our family dinners, once tense, transformed into sessions of meaningful conversation and laughter. Benjamin, previously a source of strife, became a catalyst for unity, embodying the power of kindness and empathy.
So, there it is: a story of how a misplaced wallet and a “missing” burger taught us all that no act of kindness goes unnoticed by the universe. Karma, in its most poetic form, reminded us that humility and compassion pave the path to true fulfillment. And for Benjamin, it was a lesson learned just in time.
Sarah’s Story of Instant Karma
Here’s another story that will make you think twice before acting out.
Sarah and her fiancé, John, were having dinner with her father, who had a history of favoring his new family over Sarah. As the night wound down, Dad offered to pay the bill, which seemed nice until Sarah asked for a to-go box. Dad made a snide remark about wasted fridge space.
John, ever the protector, said, “Hey, that’s not your fridge to worry about, leave her be.”
This ruffled Dad’s feathers. He threw a fit, tossed the bill at John, and stormed out with a dramatic “FINE!” Poor Sarah was caught in the middle, upset at John for stirring the pot.
While waiting for the bill, tensions high and Dad lurking outside, the waiter revealed they were in the middle of an “every bill’s a winner” contest. Usually, it’s a free drink or appetizer, but not tonight. John and Sarah hit the jackpot—a trip for four to sunny Florida, all because karma decided Dad’s departure was the perfect moment for a grand prize win!
And so, John and Sarah learned that standing up for loved ones not only brings you closer but might also land you a vacation. As for Dad, let’s hope he learned something about kindness. Maybe he’ll get a postcard from Florida.
