Last week was filled with horrible customer service experiences – first at a discount retailer where I went for trash bags, then at a drug store where I went for toiletries, and finally at a fast food chain where I got attitude with my oatmeal.

I know firsthand that working in a service role has its challenges. The shenanigans brought on by some customers can be shocking.

My experience with customer service jobs started at age 15. On my rough days I worked to stay focused on my end goal and not my present. I was helped when I recalled the words in Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): “For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”

I learned not to disrespect what I thought were small things. I now know that those entry-level opportunities prepared me for my present.

I often think about my first job -- at an ice cream shop. I absolutely hated that job. I started being miserable the minute my eyes opened in the morning. I guess that is why no one got a cone and a smile.

From there, another customer service job. Miss Grouch with sprinkles was now serving her funky attitude at a second ice cream parlor. But I was now serving hot dogs, too, and running in full costume with a siren when it was someone’s birthday.

Then I met Ms. Dixon, aka Funky Granny. She had been observing me and my foolishness. She taught me that I would stay right where I was until I started thanking God for what I had.

“Stop focusing on what you don’t have, and work on what you need to do to get to where you want to be,” she said.

I can still see her gentle smile and slight dimples as she offered life-changing counsel.

Through the grace of God, I soon got it. I started getting to the parlor early and with a smile. I left the evolving attitude at home. Amazingly, the management team started offering me special projects and including me in a more prominent role on the team. They encouraged me toward my dreams of college and so much more. Looking back, it seems that it all changed instantly.

So what changed? It certainly wasn’t the ice cream store conditions. The same customers were coming in, and the same policies and procedures were in place.

What changed was me. I started to recognize that even though it wasn’t the job I ultimately wanted, it was what I needed. The hours were not perfect, but the bus ran during those hours. I didn’t like the food there, but I ate and had a roof over my head. My meantime job paid the bills and paid my benefits. It kept me until my change came.

Gratefulness has never left me since that day. In prayer I thank God for what I have, regardless of how big or small, down to my very breath. Praise is ever present on my lips.

How many times have we missed a blessing by complaining? Spending time in that state of mind stagnates growth.

Try as I did many years ago to bring your best self to every situation and watch how quickly the desires of your heart show up.
***
Tanya is an inspirational speaker and author living in Charlotte. Friend her on Facebook, or email her at tw360you@aol.com.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter below

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement