I’m Just a…

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters Colossians 3:23

A couple of days ago, I was early for my med check appointment with my favorite nurse practitioner. Sitting quietly in an empty waiting room, I played a few games of solitaire and watched a little TV. Then came this phone call. The receptionist was young with probably not much experience. She listened to the voice on the other end of the phone.

The caller’s voice grew louder. Unsuccessfully, she tried to insert a few words into the conversation but the caller with the inquiry was clearly a little pushy—well, way out of line pushy. Finally, I heard her say, “Look, I am just the front desk person here.” They hung up on her.  

Why does anyone need to behave like that? What good can possibly come from that kind of rudeness? I tend to remember calls like that and when they pop up in caller ID, they end up at the voice mail station—for perhaps an extended time. Not the best reaction, but it works for me.

That day, I think she felt embarrassed to be just the receptionist. Making matters worse, I could hear what the caller was saying as well as the tone of her voice. My heart ached for her. She was there by herself. There was no one to say, “It’s okay!”

There are days when frustration leaves us hanging by a thread, but we can’t let go. It may not be our dream job, but it has value. Someone needs our help, our skills and yes, even a little bit of our compassion. God has carefully placed His people with a purpose.

On the way out of the inner offices, I stopped to tell this young woman what I thought. At first, she looked defensive but softened as I told her how important she is to that group of doctors. She, being the first person seen, sets the tone for quality care. When sick people walk through the door, they need a gentle voice and some encouraging words. They need her.

I said a lot more but you get the idea. When I left her area, she was smiling and her eyes were teary. She knew she was in the right place. So did I!

We Are Messengers—God You Are

Heavenly Father, thank You for all those moments when we can make a difference. Please make us passionately aware of the hearts and hurts of others. AMEN.