A Glorious Job

"It is so important for us to remember our elders – they are the ones who brought us into this world and nurtured us for so many years. They are our parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. They are our teachers, our farmers, our servicemen, and beloved religious. They taught us right from wrong, led us in the right direction when we were lost, they picked us up when we were down. They fed us, clothed us, put a roof over our heads, and kept us in good company when we needed it. It is sad to realize, but it is true; there are so many that have been left alone, so many who have been forgotten.For many nursing home residents, there aren’t many things to look forward to aside from an occasional family visit or mealtime. While I may not care directly for these old souls, I cook their food and I wash their dishes. Working as a food service worker in a nursing facility was never my idea of a glorious job, but after nearly seven years have passed, I have come to learn that it is in fact, full of glory. With a God-given passion for food and the gift of cooking, what greater glory is there than to share it with those who deserve so much? To me, they have earned a whole lot more than they will ever be able to receive here on earth; no person could ever quite repay the debt we owe to them. But if I can at least help them to eat and to stay nourished, and to savor and enjoy it, then my job is glorious. When I watch my food leave the kitchen, my hope is that it is hot, nutritious, and delicious... to make them feel ambitious! My prayer is that I will make someone feel like they are at home. I think of every plate as a simple ‘thank you’, a little ‘I love you’. It’s my way of remembering our elders, my way of taking joy in giving. It isn’t much, but we all deserve to be loved through and through; even in the small things."