Service with a Smile

I am a server. As a waitress, it is my job to serve others. I go to work everyday praying that I'd be joyful, praying that I'd be a loving servant. I'm realizing that it may be more important for me to love my co-workers by serving them than it is my customers who are paying for the service though.

This job is teaching me to listen. I asked them if they wanted ketchup, but did they say "yes" or "no"? Did they want lemon with their water? What kind of dressing do they want? What's the special tonight? Blast. I need to really listen. Beyond the customers though, my co-workers just need someone to listen to them. No, I don't want to hear them complain, and I don't want to be a part of the restaurant gossip. Sometimes just listening can bring the other waitress(es) a glimpse of joy though; sometimes even some laughter.

It's been said that the most important part of a waitresses job is to learn the smile and nod; just keep coffee cups full and smile. That's easy for me. Going the extra mile for my co-workers is more difficult. I'm a team player (and I'm realizing that the people I spend the most time with are also there for the better of the community); the rest of the world is out there working for themselves. Tonight I decided that this is my summer's challenge and my opportunity to love the way Christ loves. Sure, I want to get off of work as soon as possible just like the others, but maybe I should offer to sweep the floors. Driving someone home isn't convenient, but what would Jesus do?

What is the line between going that extra mile and allowing others to use you? Is it bad to be used? I don't want to drive someone home who lives in the opposite direction if she is simply going to rely on me to do that all the time, but then again, why not?

How do I truly love these people? I think I'll start with a smile.