"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10
The Friday following Thanksgiving I dropped off my car to be inspected and walked over to Bojangles to grab some breakfast and enjoy "Joy" time. Thanksgiving had been a busy holiday, and I refused to participate in the Black Friday crowds so I was looking forward to reading the newspaper and eating my country ham and cheese biscuit with sweet tea. This was going to be a good morning. As I found a booth that would allow me to stretch the paper out and my breakfast, I noticed that I was the only person eating by myself. Across from me was a group of veterans, numerous couples were enjoying breakfast, but I actually am perfectly content being by myself. After all its easier to people watch and read a paper when you are by yourself:)
A few bites into my lightly browned, gooey cheese, salty ham goodness, the friendliest Bojangles hostess in the world drops by my table. She is always full of stories and keeps everyone laughing with her dynamic personality. I remember my first time meeting her several years ago, I left with a smile on my face because it was quite obvious that she enjoyed her job. Many times, we think that those individuals working in the fast food industry would much rather be doing anything else. It's always refreshing to meet someone who loves their job.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." -Colossians 3:23-24
Florence came and sat down at the booth in front of me during my chat with Debra (the hostess) and from that point on there was no more "Joy" time or reading the paper. For the next 30 minutes, Florence and I chatted while she ate her lunch during her break. In that 30 minutes, I learned all about her family and how she had put four kids through school. She also makes over a dozen pies for Thanksgiving and any family get-togethers she is in charge of the cooking. But what was the neatest thing about this remarkable lady was her love for working at Bojangles. She explained that it is her responsibility to make sure that people get a good meal when they eat there. If people receive a good meal then they are happy. She continued to discuss how she also makes a point to be nice to everyone and mentor those youth that come to work at Bojangles. You see her job is greater than cooking food or taking orders, she is a leader (even though she is not the manager) and one of those who brings happiness to her customers and fellow workers. During her break, one of the younger workers sat down and she said that she had been working with her and stressing to her the importance of education. WOW.... what a special person! We continued to talk about God's paths in our lives and blessings that He provides each one of us. This conversation with a stranger made my morning and my day.
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching..." - Romans 12:6-7
While my original game-plan was to catch up on the latest news and enjoy peace and quiet, I am so thankful God changed my plan. As soon as I walked out I immediately called a friend to tell them about my AWESOME Bojangles experience. Florence is an example of a Christian and one that I am so blessed to have met. No matter our role, we must remember to share God's love and kindness in all of our daily tasks. At the end of the day, you never know who's day you will have made.
Yes, this time of year is crazy hectic, I hope that you will remember to serve others in some way. Florence certainly shared her wise words of wisdom with me on that Black Friday morning and it made my day. If you are on Falls of Neuse, drop by and see Ms. Florence! Hope everyone is having a wonderful December! Peace and Blessings to All!
The Friday following Thanksgiving I dropped off my car to be inspected and walked over to Bojangles to grab some breakfast and enjoy "Joy" time. Thanksgiving had been a busy holiday, and I refused to participate in the Black Friday crowds so I was looking forward to reading the newspaper and eating my country ham and cheese biscuit with sweet tea. This was going to be a good morning. As I found a booth that would allow me to stretch the paper out and my breakfast, I noticed that I was the only person eating by myself. Across from me was a group of veterans, numerous couples were enjoying breakfast, but I actually am perfectly content being by myself. After all its easier to people watch and read a paper when you are by yourself:)
A few bites into my lightly browned, gooey cheese, salty ham goodness, the friendliest Bojangles hostess in the world drops by my table. She is always full of stories and keeps everyone laughing with her dynamic personality. I remember my first time meeting her several years ago, I left with a smile on my face because it was quite obvious that she enjoyed her job. Many times, we think that those individuals working in the fast food industry would much rather be doing anything else. It's always refreshing to meet someone who loves their job.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." -Colossians 3:23-24
Florence came and sat down at the booth in front of me during my chat with Debra (the hostess) and from that point on there was no more "Joy" time or reading the paper. For the next 30 minutes, Florence and I chatted while she ate her lunch during her break. In that 30 minutes, I learned all about her family and how she had put four kids through school. She also makes over a dozen pies for Thanksgiving and any family get-togethers she is in charge of the cooking. But what was the neatest thing about this remarkable lady was her love for working at Bojangles. She explained that it is her responsibility to make sure that people get a good meal when they eat there. If people receive a good meal then they are happy. She continued to discuss how she also makes a point to be nice to everyone and mentor those youth that come to work at Bojangles. You see her job is greater than cooking food or taking orders, she is a leader (even though she is not the manager) and one of those who brings happiness to her customers and fellow workers. During her break, one of the younger workers sat down and she said that she had been working with her and stressing to her the importance of education. WOW.... what a special person! We continued to talk about God's paths in our lives and blessings that He provides each one of us. This conversation with a stranger made my morning and my day.
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching..." - Romans 12:6-7
While my original game-plan was to catch up on the latest news and enjoy peace and quiet, I am so thankful God changed my plan. As soon as I walked out I immediately called a friend to tell them about my AWESOME Bojangles experience. Florence is an example of a Christian and one that I am so blessed to have met. No matter our role, we must remember to share God's love and kindness in all of our daily tasks. At the end of the day, you never know who's day you will have made.
Yes, this time of year is crazy hectic, I hope that you will remember to serve others in some way. Florence certainly shared her wise words of wisdom with me on that Black Friday morning and it made my day. If you are on Falls of Neuse, drop by and see Ms. Florence! Hope everyone is having a wonderful December! Peace and Blessings to All!