Bob’s 1st Day
By: Maxine M.

The weather report had said, ‘Snow over night, travelers may experience delay’
So Bob had gotten up early…he was starting a new job today
In fact, his first “real” job since graduating from college last May

He was to meet the company C.E.O. at 10:00 and he wanted to impress
So he took extra time with his appearance and dress
Excitedly fixing his hair to look its very best…couldn’t settle for less

Pulling into the street, he found the road slick…this 4-wheel drive is great
An elderly neighbor was struggling with her car by the driveway gate
Maybe he should help, but today he must not be late

Along the snow packed road, some drivers were stranded by the roadside
But Bob couldn’t miss his meeting, so there wasn’t an offer of a ride
Someone with time will stop to help…the reasoning he applied

Finally Bob arrived at the office, safe and sound…no need now to worry & fret
A man was shoveling the walk but wasn’t done yet
Grumbling, Bob said “You should have started sooner. Now I’ll get my shoes wet!”

“There’s another shovel in my truck”, Bob heard the man say
I didn’t go to college to shovel snow, Bob thought as he walked away
Boy!! It must be hard to find good help these days

Inside, workers were hurrying to see what this corporate day had in store
The lady in front of Bob dropped her files, scattering them across the floor
But Bob hurried past, before the elevator closed its doors

Riding the elevator, he thought, someday MY office will be way up here
A receptionist greeted him warmly but said, “Mr. Smith isn’t in yet, I fear”
“He had some urgent business to do first, it would appear”

“Have a seat. I’ll tell you when he has arrived. It shouldn’t be long.”
Bob mused…Boy!! What an example to set. This is just wrong!
When I’M a C.E.O., I’LL be here where I belong

“Mr. Smith will see you now”, the lady said. So Bob rose and went quickly inside
Saying, “It’s nice to meet you…Mr. Smith”, THEN stopped in a shock he could NOT hide
Mr. Smith was the man who was shoveling the walk…embarrassment was now applied

“Sit down, Son,” Mr. Smith said. “There are things about you I want to know.”
“But Sir, I was so rude to you!! Why were YOU shoveling snow?!”
“Well, the janitor is sick and there’s something I learned long ago

I learned by the example Jesus set when HE washed his disciple’s feet
For he said he didn’t come TO BE served, but TO serve ALL he would meet
So, we too, are called TO SERVE…to ALWAYS be gracious & sweet

You’ll find you will go further in life and this company too
If your attitude is one of a servant, not how much money and power you can accrue
True servants will have many friends…enemies will be few”

The world doesn’t just consist of masters/employers and servants/employees that they hire
For you see, a SERVANT isn’t one of lesser degree, but one who has put aside his own desire
For that which will benefit others…that’s the GOAL to acquire

God made man in the very Image of Himself, don’t you know?
That when we serve others, service to Him we’re privileged to show
We never stand as tall as when we “stoop” to help those whom life has brought low


After their business meeting, Bob left Mr. Smith’s office humbled
His self-image of a smart young executive had crumbled
Now he was just grateful for a 2nd chance after a 1st day stumble

But, let’s ask ourselves, do we always “serve”…stop to meet the “need” we see?
If we’re truly honest, couldn’t we serve more...would you agree?
Serve without thought of payment, serve others for free

Dear Lord,
THIS day, please remove all arrogance & pride, humility impart
Let me SEE, as YOU SEE, with eyes of COMPASSION…see others as a divine work of art
Forgive me for the times I put myself 1st, and please give me a “servant’s heart”
In Christ’s Name
Amen