Service

I once worked at a customer service call center for a building products manufacturer. As part of the training process, I received a plant tour and was able to watch the assembly of a ten-and-a-half foot siding tool. It was awe-inspiring to watch them assemble the tool.

With perfect precision, the pair moved wordlessly around each other, grabbing and releasing overhead tools from coiled cords. They were a perfectly timed dance that would have only been better with welding sparks timed to the rock music of their radio station. I felt like I was watching a synchronized swimming event with the fluidity of their movements.

There is another such time that I have felt such precision in partnership. It was the most beautiful service opportunity I have experienced working along side another person, and she was a random neighbor, whom I have never bumped into again. The spontaneity and randomness of this service opportunity only adds to the dreamlike feel this memory holds over me. An opportunity that was perhaps ten minutes of my life has become one of the bases of my serving standards, as I continue to serve others on a regular basis.

Driving down my side street one springtime weekday morning, I noticed an elderly couple moving a recliner into their home. There was a car, a minivan maybe, driving in front of me. We both stopped our vehicles, turned into a driveway, and reversed back into the street in time with each other. We parked in front of the elderly couples’ home, stepped out onto the street, looked at each other, and asked one another ‘shall we help?’ The timing still feels choreographed and surreal in its ethereal haze of my memories.

We introduced ourselves and offered to help move the chair for them. It took a little convincing on our part, and I’m so glad that they were cautious, but the elderly couple let us bring the recliner into their home, I think my kids waving from the car sold our sincerity. I won’t forget the joy that filled my heart that day, or the example of serving others I was able to set for my kids as they waited in the car.

The amazing thing to me is, I can’t remember what my fellow service lady looks like, or her vehicle, or even the house of the elderly couple, which I drive passed on a regular basis, since my own home is just down the street. I guess some service opportunities are just for the heart to remember.

And I remember this opportunity as I seek others to help, but each time feels like it falls short to how this opportunity felt. The only other service I know that feels on this same level, was as I watched another person serve others in her community. No, this service feels like an even higher standard that I can only wish to emulate, and is burned into my mind so clearly, I shall never forget it.

On the first day of our family trip to New York City, April 2019, my kids and I went to explore and figure out the subway system, while my husband took a nap. We took a trip from midtown to Times Square. The subway area under Times Square feels like a labyrinth and by the time we found our way above ground the three of us were exhausted.

I noticed a group of people sitting on steps of a building, I asked if they minded if we joined them for a while. One older gentleman gave the hugest smile and said sit, and we traded stories of where we were from. He was born in New York City and was eager to share with us tips on how to get around and things to avoid.

We feel into companionable silence as we both turned back to people watch. I noticed an older woman approaching with a steaming crockpot in one of those foldable wheelie carts you use for groceries. She came up to the group I was sitting with and began to serve them dinner. You see, the group of people I choose to sit with were homeless and this angel was tending them. She knew the names of some and carried conversations with most as she graciously feed each one.

I watched for a few minutes, falling in love with her and her city. I wanted to take pictures but that felt intrusive on such a sacred moment. Besides I will never forget her love, her laughter, her smile, and the hope and joy she was spreading. It was beautiful to witness and I think of her and the homeless man we sat with whenever I hear about New York City.