6 Lessons from the Best Western

I am always amazed at the journey God takes us through when we dedicate our lives to Him. I'm a Psychology major working on my master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and yet have spent almost a year working in the hospitality industry. For whatever reason God led me here and I believe that God speaks to us even in our random experiences. There is always a purpose, So through working at two different Best Western's over the past 11 months here is what I have learned.

1. Trust God
After my husband and I got married this past July we moved back to Springfield, MO so Evan could finish his schooling.  We had a lot of uncertainty of what was needed for him to graduate so we moved in to a sketchy little apartment that operated in a month-by-month lease, registered him for a full load of classes, and then prayed to God that we found jobs ASAP to support all of this. I applied in multiple locations with little luck. I had a variety of experience in the professional world so many businesses were hesitant to hire me due to "over qualification". I was perturbed. I had a fancy four year private college degree and had nothing to do with it other than go to graduate school. Finally after responding to a craigslist ad with great desperation and humility I applied for a position as a housekeeper at a local hotel. I interviewed that afternoon and the manger referred me over to another hotel they were partners with for a front desk position.  The next day I met my wonderful future GM Brandy. She hired me that day and I started working the front desk two days later.
I had never worked the hotel industry before but God's hands were certainly in this. Evan and I had been praying daily for jobs and were beginning to fear that we wouldn't be able to pay rent. Every day I would read scripture with my morning coffee and sure enough God made a way. I truly learned to trust God in all things.

Matthew 10:29-31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

2. Appreciate the Little Things

My shift at the Best Western Rt, 66 Rail Haven started at 7AM so every morning I drove the short route from my apartment to the hotel. During this time there was always a beautiful sunrise beaming up over the silhouettes of the little town. I have never seen such beautiful sight. I would thank God for the sunrise often and I learned just how important it is to see the little beauties of daily life. Instead of grumbling and complaining about the early hours or that we didn't get enough sleep the night before, I learned to choose to enjoy each morning as God's gift to me. I learned thankfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23New International Version (NIV)

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

3. Listen to the Stories of Others

My GM at the Springfield Best Western taught me a lot about life. I got to know her over the time I was there and she told me different things about her life that inspired me. She was a fearless woman who rose out of a bad situation and provided for her and her son. She started as a housekeeper and worked her way up from there. She is now the General Manger of a beautiful vintage themed hotel. I think it is important to take the time to hear people's stories. Everyone has a story and we can all learn something from one another. We often dehumanize each other and thus we miss out on valuable life lessons due to our own inhibitions. 

I cried in Brandy's office the day I told her I was leaving. Evan was starting a job back home in Florida and we were moving back in two weeks. I had never felt so sad to leave a job. 

4. Hurting People Hurt People

The hotel industry can be frustrating just as many jobs can. I began to get irritated by guests constantly complaining about silly things. One day a woman came up to the front desk at the Best Western in Florida and chewed me out because her lightbulb was out in her room lamp and then proceeded to complain about everything in the hotel. I was so angry I was shaking after she left and my voice wobbled as I called in the maintenance request over the radio. I wanted so badly to tell that woman what was up and give her a taste of her own crudeness. How could anyone be so miserable while on vacation at the beach??? The next day I saw the woman pass by the desk, however she was not alone. She was pushing a young girl in a wheel chair who was hooked up to several tubes and looked very frail. Turns out the girl was the woman's daughter and was dying from a rare form of cancer. I instantly understood the woman's outburst. I remembered a quote my pastor told me once, "hurting people hurt people." Sometimes we must have compassion on those who slander. They may not know how to cope with the pain they are dealing with so they release it on others. I learned to have more compassion and empathy that day. 

Matthew 18:21-22New International Version (NIV)

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]

5. Don't Check Out

Many times I found myself just going through life. We often get in a rut where we clock in and out, make the same commute back and forth, and simply try and get through the day. This really isn't the way to live. I found myself totally checked out of life and just getting on with the hum drum of my daily routine. I realized one day that because of this "checked out" state I was missing vital opportunities to learn. grow, and minster to others. Many times God gives us the open doors we pray for, but we don't see them because we are tunnel visioned on getting through to the weekend. 

Ephesians 5:14New International Version (NIV)

14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,

    and Christ will shine on you.”

6. Know Your Priorities 

In my career counseling class a few weeks ago we read a short story about a fisherman who would go out everyday and fish for a while, catch a few fish, sell some at the market and take the rest home to his family. Once he had done that he would go home take a siesta with his wife, play with his children, and share a hot meal with his family. One day he meets a  businessman who tries to convince him to grow his fishing business. he explains that he can catch more fish, get more boats, and run a whole fish canning industry. The businessman explains that then the fisherman can then retire and do whatever he wants. The fisherman replies, "I'm already doing exactly what I want. I fish on the lake, I have a siesta with my wife, I play with my children, and enjoy a hot meal with them every evening." 

The fisherman has wisdom that I believe many people turn a blind eye too. We admire the "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality and forget our priorities in the process. I realized in that class that I was reaching for a unrealistic goal and moving away from my true joys in life. I felt very privileged that I had been given a promotion and was working a well-paying manager job, however I was missing several church functions, loosing out on valuable time with my husband and friends, and tearing my hair out with the monstrous stress that comes with the job. I finally reached a breaking point. The lightbulb finally flickered on and I realized... "this is not worth the money." What does it matter about price when the cost is too high? 

Matthew 6:24New International Version (NIV)

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

So today I clocked out for the last time from the good ol' Bestie Westie. I'm thankful for the time I spent there and for the many interesting things I learned there. It's brilliant the places God takes us. Even when we don't really know why we are in a place, there is purpose for everything. 

Monday I start my new job and a new adventure. My wonderful church hired me on as an administrative assistant and I can't wait. I finally understand the quote "do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." I am truly, truly blessed!
Thank you everyone for this past season, God Bless you all!