“Wisdom calls aloud in the streets…” (Proverbs 1:20)
I often encounter God’s voice and wisdom through the most magnificent, ordinary people in the most common public places. My husband, Gary, and I just took off after a brief layover in the Dallas Airport today on our way to Mt. Hermon Christian Songwriters conference in Santa Cruz, CA. We zipped into Bennigan’s hoping we could catch a bite before boarding our flight to San Jose, CA when our waitress appeared at our table.
Gary quickly gave her our order and graciously communicated that we had a flight to catch in 45 minutes. Our waitress explained that it would take 12-15 minutes to get our food, but she’d put the order in right away.
Tammy readily assessed our needs and got to work. She served us excellent food within 7 minutes (instead of 10-15), but the feast of wisdom she presented far exceeded our meal’s expectations. We were effusive in our gratitude for the quick service, and she explained that she’d asked the kitchen to rush the order and that she takes pride in getting her customers what they need quickly so they can make their flights in plenty of time.
As we got to know Tammy, she shared how much she delights in being a waitress. “I love coming to work and I’m passionate about my job,” she shared. “I’ve only been off one day in the past 15, because I just love what I do.” Every detail of her service reflected the heart of a true servant.
“I have nightmares about having too many customers rushing in and needing quick services, being short staffed in the kitchen, and my not being able to meet their needs and get them out on time for their flights,” she shared.
What are my nightmares? Are they a reflection of my passion and calling? If I’m honest they often involve me giving our clients bad advice about copyright issues, or hearing that one of our clients received a “cease and desist” letter because they didn’t comply with copyright laws. If my nightmares focused more on failing to serve our clients—assessing, anticipating and meeting their needs—then it would perhaps reflect more of a servant’s heart.
What are your nightmares? They may tell you quite a bit about your God-given passion and vocation.
A week later...now after basking in the presence of God’s spirit in fellowship, worship and teaching with songwriters, musicians and worship leaders at Mt. Hermon for three days, I have an even stronger appreciation for Tammy’s passion and devotion. Many songwriters gathered in the midst of the giant sequoia redwoods to hone their crafts, learn from “giants in the Christian music industry,” and find out how to get their songs published.
We were all blessed to worshiping and hanging out with guys like Don Moen, Paul Baloche, Sara Groves, Joy Williams, Paul Wickham, Bob Kauflin, Charlie Peacock…blah, blah, blah (as Paul Baloche would say about name dropping). The worship was sweet and holy. The conversations were rich. The teaching was profound. The meals were amazing. The beauty of God’s creation was stunning. It was a very special three days.
Don Moen, the CQ & Chris Long
But far above and beyond our expectations, God surprised us, as He often delights in doing. No question there was a wealth of practical skills, wisdom and experiences imparted by veteran songwriters to aspiring writers. But God’s impartation was above and beyond and wrapped in the compassion and humility of His Son. Hearts were touched and softened by the Spirit that permeated, hovered and covered us all for 72 hours. And I believe we came down off the mountain with tender hearts, new vision and passion for serving the great Creator by surrendering our gifts and talents for His glory.
The message God spoke to me through Tammy in the Dallas Airport resounded and echoed through the towering redwoods and pierced my heart anew. Tear down the idols of praise, acknowledgement, money and fame, and put on the humility of Jesus and serve God and His creation with all the talents and gifts He’s lavished upon us. That is our passion and great joy.
Sara Groves...communion