Serving Up God

One of the more touching moments I have experienced in this way, happened about two years ago. We had known Evelyn for a number of years. It all started when I used to take my kids shopping for groceries. Evelyn would often be working at one of the cash registers. She was not the fastest cashier but my kids absolutely loved her. She just wowed them every time we went through the cash, because she talked to them and really seemed to care about them. That is quite rare these days, as most cashiers are more concerned about pumping people through as quickly as they can. No matter how long her line up was, we had to go to her check out. So, we got to know her. Fast forward a few years, and Evelyn happened to come into my restaurant. I start talking to her and found out that she was now unemployed. Not only was she not working at that grocery store, but had since worked her way through several jobs with no success. After talking it over for a bit, we decided that she would be a good fit to work with us as a kitchen helper.

Each day, while we worked, we talked about what she wanted to do with her life, long term. It didn’t take too long for her to go from having no idea, to deciding that she wanted a career as a baker. It was tough for her to find a program that she could get into, but she did it. After a year of working with me everyday, she took the plunge and went off to community college to become a baker.

About ten months later, I got a visit from Evelyn. She came in with a big grin on her face. She had done it, she had passed her course and was about to graduate. She also gave me the honour of being one of her guests at the graduation ceremony. It was probably one of the proudest moments I have ever had as an employer. To see where this young lady had started off when she walked through my doors, and now to see her walking across a stage receiving her diploma, was amazing. I was just talking to her last week, and she is absolutely loving her job as a cake baker for a local bakery. Moving them along the line is a very rewarding experience.

Sometimes it is quite difficult to encourage an employee when they want to move on. Operationally it can put a lot of stress on the business. If that person leaves, what are we going to do to fill those shifts? Emotionally, it stresses me right out. Personally, I have a bit of an aversion to change, especially if that change isn’t initiated by me. I guess, when I look back at my life, a lot of that emotion stems from when my parents separated. When an employee decides to leave us, whether for good or bad, it can bring back those out-of-control feelings.

One young lady just gave us her notice yesterday. My initial reaction wasn’t good. How am I going to fill those shifts on such short notice? She went on to say that she felt that it was a hard decision for her, but she knew that it would be the best thing for her, under the circumstances in her life. Although she is going to miss working with us, she knew that we would understand because we have always wanted the best for her. She appreciates the role that we have played in her life, to help make her a better person, and was quite thankful for it. Well, how can I argue with that? It has been wonderful having her as part of our team for these years, and now it is just time for us to help her move along the line.

Our lives here are filled with so many of these stories. I truly believe that just keeping things moving is one of the biggest parts of our ministry here. God has transformed us into a big functioning assembly line of sorts. He brings in the tired and weary through the front door, and we love them until they move along the line, right out the back door. Sometimes I feel that I am just here to enjoy the ride. God is good! I get to meet them where they are, show them the love and kindness of God, and let God do his wonderful work. I get to witness miracles every day.