I was working behind the scenes, unable to leave an impression or earn any tips.
Prior to this, my boss informed me of a shorter shift, which means less income.
Well, my mother in faith was informed of this, as I sorted through some choices to be made.
After I shared, she confidently stated, "Well, then I am praying for tips."
Back at the job, the slow shift became a busy one of a different kind. I was called to organize and clean the back work room. It was not tiring, but it was work to accomplish. Honestly though, I was slower than it should have been.
Still, my work was diligent, safe, and impressed management. But I felt like I wasted time, maybe even losing tip opportunity.
So, leaving "the closet," I hurried into action to makeup for lost time.
I meant to be swift and unseen in my transition, but I was immediately slowed by someone i did not know was in the building. However, not wasting anymore time, they handed me... you guessed it... a larger amount than I expected, especially for having been in the background for a long time.
"Thank you. This really humbles me." I said.
And they replied, "No. We like it here. It is clean and that is what brings us back."
The irony is, I know what I left in that hidden closet.
I know how my effort was less than the impact desired.
But even so, I cannot help but remember those words: that is what brings us back.
It is good to know what drives people.
It is good to know what increases their chances of returning to where they are wanted.
But then that gets me to asking, "What brings me back?"
Is it the hours?
The payroll?
The people?
What compels me to come to the Place where I am Wanted?
Anyways, I praise God for the confident prayer and unexpected appreciation.
Prayer:
Lord, thanks for little gifts, unexpected reminders of your faithfulness.
Even when we think we are forgotten, You Remember us.
Help me not to measure your love by worldly standards.
Instead, shape my standards, clean my heart, and keep drawing people to you.
God, we all need you-- more than an outwardly clean place to revisit.
Well, whatever the case (or closet), Your Will be Done. In Jesus name, amen.
Prior to this, my boss informed me of a shorter shift, which means less income.
Well, my mother in faith was informed of this, as I sorted through some choices to be made.
After I shared, she confidently stated, "Well, then I am praying for tips."
Back at the job, the slow shift became a busy one of a different kind. I was called to organize and clean the back work room. It was not tiring, but it was work to accomplish. Honestly though, I was slower than it should have been.
Still, my work was diligent, safe, and impressed management. But I felt like I wasted time, maybe even losing tip opportunity.
So, leaving "the closet," I hurried into action to makeup for lost time.
I meant to be swift and unseen in my transition, but I was immediately slowed by someone i did not know was in the building. However, not wasting anymore time, they handed me... you guessed it... a larger amount than I expected, especially for having been in the background for a long time.
"Thank you. This really humbles me." I said.
And they replied, "No. We like it here. It is clean and that is what brings us back."
The irony is, I know what I left in that hidden closet.
I know how my effort was less than the impact desired.
But even so, I cannot help but remember those words: that is what brings us back.
It is good to know what drives people.
It is good to know what increases their chances of returning to where they are wanted.
But then that gets me to asking, "What brings me back?"
Is it the hours?
The payroll?
The people?
What compels me to come to the Place where I am Wanted?
Anyways, I praise God for the confident prayer and unexpected appreciation.
Prayer:
Lord, thanks for little gifts, unexpected reminders of your faithfulness.
Even when we think we are forgotten, You Remember us.
Help me not to measure your love by worldly standards.
Instead, shape my standards, clean my heart, and keep drawing people to you.
God, we all need you-- more than an outwardly clean place to revisit.
Well, whatever the case (or closet), Your Will be Done. In Jesus name, amen.