In the early morning hours, a dream came to me, unbidden but clear as day. This dream served as a divine nudge, a message from God: “Serve me humbly, as you once served others.”
THE RESTAURANT YEARS: THE SEEDS OF SERVICE
Back in the day, I was a waiter at a Mexican restaurant. I loved making people’s days better just by remembering their regular orders. You wouldn’t believe how much a smile can light up the room when you remember that simplest things like if the customer drank sweet tea or unsweet.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10
It also brought me great joy to see the customers faces light up. To them it was like I had performed something miraculous just by knowing what they wanted. It made them feel special.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
The Downfall: Losing Sight of Service
Over time, my sense of joy began to wane, gradually corroded by interactions with difficult customers. They never said it, but their body language screamed contempt. They looked down on me as if I was inferior. This toxic environment tainted my perspective, converting a job I loved into a source of bitterness and resentment.
The Family Influence: A Technological Compass
It was during this period of internal turmoil that I started to reflect on my father’s influence. Growing up, he was always self-employed, running his own business in the technology sector. He imbued me with a fascination for tech, something that I realized could be my way out of my current unhappiness.
Yet, my father too had once faced similar crossroads. He was restless in his job in a tech company, eventually realizing that he needed to forge his own path. He did exactly that, establishing his own security installation business, taking us, his children, along for this incredible ride.
And of course, he would always remind my brothers and I of Philippians 4:13 when we would work with him.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
During this period of turmoil, memories of my father’s parallel experiences started to surface. He was a man of technology, his passion coursing through my veins as well. My brothers and I would often accompany him on jobs installing security systems across Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.
One particular job that stands out, was at one of Virginia’s first and earliest data centers. Even in that professional environment, my father remained his authentic self. A man guided by his own internal compass, he once left a job he loved in technology to start his own business, seeking a greater purpose.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
A Full Circle Moment
Years later, by what felt like a twist of divine fate, I found myself working at one of the first and most prominent data centers in Southern Virginia. The customers I served at the restaurant had unknowingly prepared me for this moment—offering a service, networking, and paving the way for new opportunities.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
THE DREAM DECODED
In my dream, I was back at the restaurant, swamped with orders and struggling to keep up. I even goofed up a few things. But then I passed the baton to a young host who looked so grateful, and the dream ended.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I think God is telling me to never forget the joy and humility I felt when I was serving tables. He wants me to serve Him with that same heart.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29
So, as I sit here typing, it’s not just me—it’s the Holy Spirit guiding me. Life has a way of coming full circle, especially when you listen to God. He’s the best server of all, always knowing exactly what we need.