The Hospitality of the clean Loo.
One of the teams I have been working on here at Scargill is the HOUSE TEAM.
While the Kitchen team is about a lot about team work, the House Team is all about Hospitality. We have new groups of guests in and out each week, so rooms are constantly being cleaned and prepared for new guests. It takes a team of dedicated people to keep it all in "Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion".
So, MEET THE HOUSE TEAM. At least, part of them.
Every day, they change beds, prepare guest rooms, scrub toilets, vacuum floors, clean public areas and meeting rooms, wash and fold mountains of laundry...
So its kinda like running a hotel. But different, because our guests may not realize it, but the house team meets together EVERY MORNING before beginning work, to pray together for our guests.
We pray that they will be comfortable and relaxed, sleep well, and feel welcomed, and cared for. As we make their beds and clean their rooms, we pray for them. And as we clean the bathrooms, we pray for them. (I wonder how many hotels pray for their guests. I suspect that some do.) Its all about hospitality. Its making sure the pillows are just right. Its placing a small piece of chocolate in the room so they get a little special treat when they check in.
Now, I like to clean bathrooms. I always have. But its one thing to clean your own, or your family's. But its another thing indeed to clean someone else's, and sometimes its downright disgusting. (Enough said.)
So, as I clean toilets, I try to think about making them as clean as possible. If a toilet is dirty, its certainly not a welcomed sight. So, its attention to the little things, like extra toilet paper, a shiny sink, a clean mirror, etc.
Some of our bathrooms are new...
and some are old...
But we try to make sure they are all clean. Its a job of humility. I think of Jesus washing his disciples' muddy stinky feet. Just to show them some love. So I'm not too proud to scrub a toilet.
While working on the kitchen team, I try to think about cooking for God, but somehow that does not work for the bathrooms, so instead, since I am in England, my gold standard is the Queen. I try to clean my toilets well enough that I would not be embarrassed if the Queen herself showed up, unannounced, and asked for the nearest loo. 😏 I try to make sure the toilets I clean are fit for the Queen. ♕ It works for me. 😊
Moral of the story: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by Him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed. 2 Timothy 2:15.
...and oh yeah, do all things without grumbling and complaining, too. 😉
...and oh yeah, do all things without grumbling and complaining, too. 😉
Ode to a clean loo
Oh, Humble Loo,
You're like a faithful friend.
Always there, ready to serve,
asking little in return:
(All you need is a flush and a swish)
May I also be found so faithful,
Lord, this is my wish.
A-men.
May I be found faithful in the little things.
Till next time, Audrey. aka the Loo Lady.