Making the Most of a Sticky Roast Beef Sandwich
A friend loves at all times, and a brother or sister is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
As the pandemic transitions, and we are called back to work in the office, many Americans, especially in service industries, chose not to return to the workplace. There are numerous reasons for the disengagement of employees, but an overall theme has been that many workers no longer feel fulfilled by their employment. Some have legitimate reasons for walking out on their employers. Yet, others' struggles might have more to do with finding their inner motivation. These are the individuals I wish to encourage today.
You can make your meaning. When I was in high school, I worked at Hardee's. I stunk at working the flame-fired grill. One evening the owner noticed that 9 out of 10 adults and youth greeted me while I worked. He said, “You are not setting the world on fire at the grill, or worse maybe you will burn the place down. But I believe you are a people person and would do great waiting on the customers.” So I became the only guy to stand behind the till. The other guys thought I was nuts for wanting to put up with cranky customers.
Over the next few months, I learned my customer’s stories and enjoyed their greetings. Even the crabby customers became a challenge. I strove to find something meaningful behind their bluster. Looking for redeeming qualities became a game, then a calling. Finally, the job no one wanted became a calling for me, except for the awful yellow and orange clothes, the paper hat, and the smell of Big Roast Beefs that stayed in my pores for decades. So much of our life experience, meaningful and wasted, is a choice.
Spiritual wisdom lets us know the difference between moments when life needs to chuck our situation and when we can make meaning in surprising places. God calls us to make a difference where there is a need. At Hardees in Hibbing, MN, which was not excitement central, I found meaning, enjoyment, and friendships. Whenever possible, God calls you to bring significance to the place where you live and work. Sometimes the least exciting place can provide the most meaningful experiences. Pray for God to give you the wisdom to find joy in almost every situation. Besides abusive situations, nearly every situation has opportunities for blessings and fulfillment.