This summer, a day program for adults with developmental challenges moved into our lower level at the church where I pastor. I was thrilled because it helps our church budget to have some rental income. They were thrilled because the space was perfect for them.
But I had no idea how great it would be, all around.
Most days I come into work, and hear a cheerful "Good morning Pastor Patti" hollered up the stairs.
If I go down, there are multiple waves and big smiles and "Hi, my name is..." greetings. From time to time at my desk, I can hear the faint sounds of music and laughter from the gym. On cooking class day, yummy platefuls are delivered to my office.
But the best of all was last week when I went down to get a Snickers from the vending machine. One of the participants in the program watched me intently, and when I turned to go, she asked conspiratorially, "Did you get yourself a candy bar?"
"Yup," I said.
"YAH!" she cheered with a fist pump. Clearly a major triumph, in her mind.
With people like that cheering me on, how could I NOT love my job??
Happy Outrage-Free Friday to you.
