Passionate Even at Hardees
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)
One of the many things I’ve learned from Bill Ekhardt, is that it is important to follow your passion whenever you can, in your work, as well as in your free time. Most of my life has been spent doing whatever needed to be done, whether it was fun, meaningful, or whether or not I had a passion for it. Bill encourages the staff to work to their passion. Sure, we still have to accomplish some tasks we’d rather not do, but focusing on our passions makes those uncomfortable moments less frequent.
The benefit extends beyond the individual. When we all work primarily to our passions, we are able to mold a staff around each person’s passion. The benefits of this were on display when the pandemic hit. Each member of the staff had something unique to add to the virtual worship service, but also to the way we organized ourselves in areas of care, administration, and education. Out of our unique passions, we have been able to transform our congregation into a profoundly new form of spiritual expression during a horrific time.
Sadly, for many, we’ve been doing whatever was necessary for so long, we have forgotten what working with passion feels like. It is crucial that each one of us spend the time to find out what ignites our passion and seek to fulfill it. That often does not mean a job change. It is finding passion in what we are doing. For example, when I was in high school, I worked at Hardees. Like all the men, we worked the frier and grill. The women worked out front. I had stunk in the kitchen. Even behind the counter, the owner recognized that I was visiting with a large number of the people who came into the restaurant. He boldly put me – a man – at the front, taking orders. I became passionate about my work, and the overall warmth of the restaurant improved. Old job, new passion!
Today, consider what makes you passionate. Pray for the Holy Spirit to provide the creativity within yourself, so you can bring renewed joy to your life. God did not put us on this earth to live a life of drudgery. Finding ways to be passionate about work and life is what God calls us to do each day. Rather than trying to create the perfect situation, make your situation a passionate place, and watch your life come alive.
