I feel called to vocational ministry but I have bills to pay and a family to feed. I do this by working at my local hardware store as a salesperson and quasi-supervisor. I drive a forklift, cut keys, fill propane, mix paint. I also am responsible for training employees and merchandising the store. This isn’t ministry it’s just life, but ministry is the stuff of life. Here is a taste of my day-to-day:
I open today
My gaggle drives me to work
stuck behind the train
“You got a thingy
that will whatchamacallit?”
“Absolutely, yes.”
“Doesn’t fit,” He sighs.
Package says universal.
Not this universe.
Can you cut a key?
Yes, if I have the right blank.
No. She leaves the store.
He asks,”EEEEE-poxy?”
Holding out the ‘E’ too long–
It stuck to his tongue.
“Sixteen Inches,” he says.
I measure eighteen. Displeased,
“Sixteen’s what I need.”
“It’s slow can I go home?”
The cashier asks, I respond:
we have work to do.
“Time for your training!”
She complies with verve and speed
grimacing at me.
Break time: I’m reading
He leans to see the cover.
Far too religious!
“CUSTOMER SERVICE
TO PROPANE WHO WILL RESPOND?!?”
Running, I get gas.
His eyes scan the shelf,
What can I help you find? No
I was just looking.
It’s twenty to eight
I ride the pallet jack back
Almost closing time
thoughts, prayers & songs: 