People Rock!

Four and a half years ago, I started a crazy journey. I walked into Bobbi's office and asked, "What if?"

I joined the staff of my church almost 5 years ago in a role that I thought would be pretty administrative. What I found is that I stunk at the administrative part of the job, but loved the people part. Yes, you read that right--I loved getting to be with people back then and I think, if it's possible, I love it even more now.

That day I asked, "What if?" I was also asked, "So, this job will mostly be dealing with people--what do you think about that?" Today, I stand by the answer I gave: "People are hard. They often make me crazy. They have lots of baggage. BUT, in spite of the baggage (or maybe because of it) working with them is the most rewarding job there is!" So, I moved into my current role a few weeks later--thanks to some leaders who believed in and took a chance on me.

Even though there have been changes, I have never regretted walking in Bobbi's office that day. I absolutely LOVE getting to hang out with people. I love to hear their stories. There's the single mom who has 3 children, one of whom is special needs. She thanked me for knowing her name. Really? I get thanked just because I know her name?

There's the student who was honest about his faith. I was able to look him in the eyes and tell him "I'm gonna pray that you find MY Jesus." And nothing compares to the joy of celebrating when he did.

There's the friend who stopped to tell me she was getting divorced. I was able to stop what I was doing to cry and pray with her. And guess what? I was able to rejoice with her this week when she told me they were sticking it out.

There's the lady who thinks God might be telling her to go on a mission journey, but there are obstacles. BUT, she took the step to confide in me and I was able to connect her to someone who is leading a trip. I don't know how this one will turn out yet, but I can tell you I am praying big right now.

There's the lady that I asked to bake 1000 kolaches. And she agreed to it and was THRILLED to serve in this way.

Almost daily, people try to commiserate with me when they find out what my job is. Part of me wants to laugh. Really? I get to love people and look for the good in them every stinkin day. Why does that elicit sympathy instead of jealousy? The other part of me wants to keep it a secret--if everyone knew how great my job was, they would try to take it.

Here's what I know: People rock! They are generous and compassionate. Encouraging and loving. They serve in the midst of caring for families and having full time jobs (and they only get paid in bagels). They are honest and energetic. They are strong and humble. I could go on forever here--people are the best thing since sliced bread!

So, if you pass me in the hallway and I look rushed, don't feel sympathy for me. Feel envious. Because, I am probably rushing to a room where I will have a conversation with one of these incredible people and will get to see them in action as they love kids and point them to Jesus. Not sure what your idea of a good job is, but I don't think it can beat mine.