Working for Others, Working for God

A couple of years back, Jessalyn and I started a habit of having Friday morning breakfast together at IHOP. It's the only morning that I don't have to pry Jessalyn out of her bed, which is surprising, since in order to get to work and school on time we are up and out the door before 6 am.

Originally, this had been a day just for me and Jessalyn, but last year we were introduced to Pam, a waitress at IHOP. Now she is like a part of our morning. We know she has three nearly grown boys, one of which who just spent 18 months in Iraq. She greets us warmly every morning and always tells the host that we are "one of hers". We never have to place our order, because Pam knows exactly what we want, down to my Diet Coke in a "to go" cup.

Jessalyn had a school project to finish up last night which included interviewing a person regarding their occupation. We decided Pam would be a great subject. So as we waited for our breakfast, Pam patiently answered Jessalyn's questions. It went something like this:

Occupation: Waitress

Responsibilities: Table set up, Taking Orders, Taking Care of Customers

Characteristics needed for occupation: Friendliness, patience

Favorite thing about your occupation: My Customers! (winking of course at Jess)

What would you tell others interested in becoming a waitress: You have to love people and enjoy taking care of them!

Listening to Pam talk, you could see her eyes light up as she talked about her job. She really loves being a waitress! And even though she is relatively new to IHOP, she worked for some 15 years at Village Inn.

Now waiting tables is not probably the most glamorous or prestigious job we think of. In fact, most of us call it one of those jobs that got us through college, or one of our first "real jobs". And you really don't hear a lot of people saying, when I grow up I want to be a waitress. But for Pam it is her calling and she is amazing at it.

As I listened to Pam and Jess talk this morning, a verse came to mind.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (New Living Translation)

Sometimes, I get bummed out that my job is not one of high position or with a fancy salary. I find myself distressed that I am no where in my career that I thought I would be at this point in my life. Then I look at Pam. She absolutely loves her job and more than that she loves the people that she serves. You've seen how customers can treat wait staff and in reciprocity I know we all have been a victim of lousy service. Pam smiles through it. She works hard to get your food to you and makes certain you are satisfied. It is important to her that she does a good job.

I should be working just as enthusiastically not just in my profession but also in my "jobs" of Wife, Parent, Sunday School Teacher, Friend. And when I seem put out in serving others, I should remind myself that I'm serving the Lord through my service to others, "for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."