About seven weeks ago, I was laid off from my dream job. See my article If You Want To Make God Laugh, Tell Him Your Plans for further details on my unemployment story. But to put it simply, I had an incredible career in ministry working directly with adult sex trafficking survivors. I loved almost everything about my job, and I had every intention of being there (or in a similar ministry) for the rest of my life.

After being laid off, I was offered a few jobs where I could potentially start a fairly substantial career. But unfortunately, none of them really felt right. I continued to try and force myself into a peaceful state of mind. But without fail, after only a few days at each job, I would quit. I could not get past the "absence of peace" that kept toying with my mind and emotions. It felt like God was screaming at me loud and clear, "GET OUT NOW" and "THIS ISN'T FOR YOU". I was so conflicted. Like, okay God. I see You. I hear what You're saying. But, I need money. I could not continue to live like that for much longer, I was digging myself into an enormous hole of debt, and aimlessly and blindly stumbling through life. By about week five, I felt like a complete and total failure. And as fate would have it, shortly after leaving my last "potential career", I made a decision I NEVER thought I would. I decided to go back to the food service industry. (cue the dramatic music and sad violins).

When I left my last serving job in February, I swore up and down that I would NEVER go back, even if my life depended on it. It sure is funny how God likes to humble us ever so subtly.

I felt like such a fool walking back into that God forsaken restaurant with my head held high and the biggest smile on my face. In my mind, It felt like I was going in the wrong direction. I'm supposed to be moving up in the world, not going backwards. I have waited tables (on and off) for the better part of the last seven years. I've had my fair share of the never-ending doubles, the sweaty nights, the front of house gossip, and of course the entitled and peculiar guests. I paid my dues, I did my time, and silly me, I thought I was finally done with that unusual industry. But, God stepped in, and said, "not quite, my child".

I never thought in a million years that I would be put in this position again, but I guess that's what I get for trying to assume that I knew more than God. Because, sure enough, the day I signed all my new-hire employment papers, I walked out of that restaurant with absolute peace. That indescribable, unobtainable, beautifully sweet peace of God that can only be obtained through His will and His grace. I couldn't help but look up at the sky and laugh. He is the God of miracles, and the God of second chances; but sometimes, He is the God who does not make any freaking sense. How could I feel peace about being a server again? Doesn't God want me to succeed? Doesn't God want me to be more than a server?

The verse Mark 10:35 comes to my mind. "And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Just before Jesus told His disciples this, they had been arguing about who was the "greatest" (see verses 33-34). Just like typical men (or women), they were going back and forth trying to determine who was "better" or more "prestigious" than the other. Then Jesus asks them what they were talking about, but they refuse to acknowledge their previous arrogant banter when confronted. In the context, it looks as though they disregarded His question altogether. They literally ignored Jesus (what nerve!). Then Jesus (being a complete BOSS, because He already KNOWS what they were talking about) goes on to say that we MUST be the last of all to be "first". Meaning that we do not have to obtain the best job, or the biggest house, or even have the most amazing reputation or status to be deemed acceptable in God's eyes. What a reality check! If we put others first, put OURSELVES LAST, and be a servant to all, then we will be "first" in God's eyes in all the areas that truly matter. And not that competitive, "take home the trophy" first, but an admirable, humble, "Jesus loves you" kind of first.

And when you put Him at the top of your list of "people to impress", then you will begin to see a shift in your life. Because He is not after the "biggest winner" or the most impressive scholar. He is checking out your heart, first and foremost. If you willingly put yourself last, then you're on the road to being "first", and well on your way to being the "greatest" after-all.

In conclusion, yes, God can "ordain" you to be a garbage collector, a plumber, a server, or maybe even a public servant for your community. God's work does not always look like ministry, but I have learned that any type of work can be done for His glory. Whether you're the President of the United States, a big fancy lawyer, an elementary school teacher, or just an after-school babysitter; take pride in the fact that God can use you, too. He will never let any skill you have go to waste. Let Him be the Lord of your life, allow yourself begin to "serve" His people, and watch the magic begin to happen. He wants to use you WHEREVER you may be, all you have to do is let Him.