Joy Farrington reflects on lessons of love learned through her job as a waitress

Joy Attmore

Like many people who have found their calling in jobs that reward the heart greatly, but don't add much to the bank account, I have a day job which enables my bills to get paid and allows me the flexibility to travel when I need to. I am one of the many men and women throughout the UK who does my best to serve the great British public, as best as I possibly can, within the hospitality industry.

I've been waiting on for nearly nine years now, which is a slightly scary thought, but I have honestly loved it most of the time. It's a job that you can never really get bored in; you may grow to hate it at times, or become frustrated with the system, but you never get bored; your customers make sure of that! It's a hard industry to work in, as you answer to people's beck and call and often serve without any appreciation or thanks from the recipient, but it can also bring such life. I have met some amazing people over the years and been inspired as I've heard snapshots of their lives and I have been encouraged to keep going by a simple phrase of, 'thank you.'

In recent weeks I have been getting itchy feet; wanting something more exciting, life-giving and personally fulfilling to pour my time into. It's not the first time that I've found myself in this position; in fact, it probably happens on a fairly regular basis, but then my vision for the season gets reignited and I can carry on. To add to my itchy feet I have been fighting hard to keep hope alive in my heart when it has been feeling an onslaught of disappointment.

About two weeks ago I was stood in Leaf, the tea shop and bar that I work in, when a customer came over to me. He was an older gentlemen with a warm smile, enthusiasm and care for people emanating from him. He began to sing Leaf's praises, asking me about the vision behind the place and how it was marketed. I engaged myself in conversation with him, enjoying the break from the usual, 'how are you's'.

He began to compliment the staff and it was here that he said something which impacted me greatly, 'You are all occupational therapists. You provide an environment for anybody to come into and feel safe, welcome and received without judgement. You are providing therapy to people's hearts and minds.'

I wanted to hug him at this point! He probably had no idea how much I needed that encouragement, but his words have impacted me so much since then. It hasn't just made me fall in love with my job again and find fresh purpose in serving, but it has pointed to a bigger truth.

I have often looked at what I was made to do as being encompassed within a structure such as setting up an organisation, becoming a politician, or training as a teacher. However I now realise that these structures are all dreams within a bigger calling. We have all been called to love. I have been called to love.

I've begun to see love personified. If I stay in love, keep love with me at all times, then I know that I'm doing ok. My heart stays in hope and my vision has no choice but to grow and find life in the season that it is currently in. Love promises to never fail me, to never let me down and never lead me down paths of harm. Love will see my dreams fulfilled in perfect time, but until then it is not lying dormant, but is active and moving within me and through me.

I'm still serving tea by the bucket load, but my love for this job has again been renewed. I was made to love and so love I shall, whether through a cup of tea served with a smile, or a warm hug given to a woman who has never felt love's touch.