Missing the Glory

Every time I meet someone new, the question of “what do you do” always creeps up.  It seems only a few years ago I eagerly awaited that question so I could respond with a resounding, “I teach middle schoolers!”  Teaching is a noble profession and respectable—I loved my job.  Now, dread rises up inside me like mercury on a hot day, because my answer is, “I’m a catering assistant.”  I find myself quick to add, “But it’s only temporary because I’m going to Africa come January.”  Why do I feel like I have to justify my current situation?  Being a missionary in Kenya must be a more gallant job than a lowly catering assistant… Or is it? 

I am making all these plans for my life, despite spouting off that I’m not, and I feel like I’m just in a holding pattern until my plans unfold.  And I can’t help thinking that I’m missing something.  If God has placed me as a catering assistant right now, then that’s where He wants me to be.  I don’t need the glory of a high paying or prestigious career.  I don’t need the recognition of “doing God’s work” overseas.  I don’t need to be constantly looking forward to what I will do.  I need to be present where God has me.  My coworkers need Jesus just as much as the people in Kenya.  My boss longs for an authentic relationship as much as I do.  The people I serve desire glimpses of Heaven just as much as the orphans I’ll work with in January.  God longs to pour out His love and grace on all of His children around the world.  Why would I say no to some and yes to others?

The lyrics of Gordon Mote’s song, “Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory” have hit me this evening:

 
“Don’t let me miss the glory
Don’t let me miss the grace
All creation is singing
To the honor of Your name
 
Don’t let me miss the wonder
Don’t let me miss the grand design
All the lightning and the thunder
Lord open up my eyes
Don’t let me miss the glory”

God, in the midst of a job I dislike, in the midst of my plans for the future, please don’t let me miss Your Glory.  Please don’t let me miss the opportunities you place in my path daily to love people.  Open my eyes to see the world as you see it, and break my heart for the things that break Yours.