Today’s Daily Bread ~ Applebee’s

1 Peter 5:2-3 – Care for the flock of God entrusted to you.  Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.  Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example.

I’ve held a lot of jobs in my thirty-six years.  I can remember being in the fifth grade in Overland Park, Kansas, taking my dad’s shovel one particularly snowy winter, and dragging it up and down the street, charging two bucks per driveway.  I remember feeling like I hit the jackpot when one person handed me a five.

In high school I worked at an athletic club’s nursery, the Gap, and also at a restaurant called Hometown Buffet.  As a sophomore at the University of Kansas, I applied for a job at Applebee’s.

It may sound strange, but my favorite memories of college took place either at the restaurant, or out with my co-workers.  I really loved that job.  I started out as a hostess, and then trained up to be a server.  When my boss asked me if I wanted to bartend I could hardly believe it – I felt like I had won the lottery!  From there they made me a trainer.  I worked there until I graduated, and even a year or two after.

There is nothing particularly glamorous about waiting tables, yet I can honestly say it was my second favorite job of all time, behind radio.  I’ve held other office jobs; sales consultant for a plastic surgeon, Transamerica mortgage representative, ad sales at a magazine, and I’d still rather serve at Applebee’s than do the nine to five thing.

I can tell you what made the biggest difference.  It was our general manager.  His name was Jay Chocolochik (I’m certain I’ve butchered the spelling – sorry, Jay).  We called him, “Jay Chocolate-shake.” 

There was no job beneath Jay.  He’d jump on the line and flip burgers.  He’d wait by the hostess stand to greet.  He’d blend margaritas and pour beers.  He’d run food and wash dishes.  He didn’t ask anything of anyone that he wouldn’t do himself.  He truly was one of the best managers I’ve ever worked for.

Do you realize that Jesus is the same way?

He looked down from the heavenlies and saw our struggles.  He could’ve kept His distance, but He didn’t.  He might’ve kept His hands clean, but He couldn’t.  He loves you far too much.

Jesus knows how it feels to be doubted.  “When the Pharisee who was the host saw what was happening and who the woman was, he said to himself, “This proves that Jesus is no prophet.  If God had really sent Him, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him.  She’s a sinner (Luke 7:29)!”

He knows what it’s like to be talked about behind His back – The men at the table said among themselves, “Who does this man think He is, going around and forgiving sins (Luke 7:49).”

Jesus knows the pain of unfair hatred – “When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you (John 15:18).”

He knows the temptation to follow the crowd – “The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t.  I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you (John 15:19).”

He’s done marvelous works for little thanks – As He entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went, their leprosy disappeared.  One of them, when He saw that He was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God, I’m healed!”  He fell face down on the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for what He had done.  This man was a Samaritan.  Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men?  Where are the other nine?  Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?” 

He was punished unjustly – Then Pilate gave Jesus to them to be crucified (John 18:16).

Something that impressed me about Jay Chocolate-shake was how much he seemed to love his job.  Whether slinging drinks or meeting with vendors, he grinning and upbeat.  Washing dishes couldn’t have been fun for him, but he did what he had to do to keep the restaurant running smoothly.  I wonder if his boss ever noticed.  I wish I would’ve thought to thank him

Life can be uncomfortable.  Sometimes hard work goes unrewarded.  Work hard anyway.  Taking the narrow path is difficult.  Take it anyway.  Going against the crowd takes courage.  Go anyway.  Standing up for what you believe in can be lonely.  Stand up anyway.  Jesus has stood where you stand, and He stands with you now.  He will never ask you to do anything He hasn’t done Himself.

 “So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you (1 Peter 4:19).”

Dear Heavenly Father, how amazing it is that You came to earth to walk in our shoes.  We are so humbled by that, God.  Please help us to never forget the magnitude of what You did – sacrificing Your only Son so that we might be saved.  So that we might know we serve a compassionate God who ruthlessly pursues us.  God, You have blessed us so much.  Please give us Your same compassion.  Please help us to see the world as You see it, and chase after the lost as You have chased after us.  You do not wish for one to perish, give us that same desire.  Please cleanse us from the inside out, and may everything we do be pleasing to You.  We love You so much God, and we pray these things in the beautiful, precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.