"Good morning … large double, double?" "Hi, you'd like a medium with cream and an apple fritter?" "Good morning, medium hot chocolate and a raspberry muffin?"

By now, you've probably guessed that I work in a well-known doughnut shop. Customers walk in, the same time each day, and order the same things to eat and drink. There are a few exceptions: strangers passing through town, sports teams of children travelling to compete, etc., but most are the regulars. Quite a few talk on the 'phone and don't even look us in the eye. Many have large orders on the drive-through. They often have sandwiches, bagels, muffins and drinks, and then add to the order at the window, causing those behind to become annoyed, shown by beeping and swearing. Of course it's the employees they're mad at, thinking we're slow. Not knowing what's happening, they just assume. Then there are those who pay for each item separately, to avoid paying extra tax. Some of these same people say "Hi" on the street when my husband and I are out walking our dog. Most often, my husband asks me who they are. I reply: "Large double, double," or "medium black" … I don't know their names!

To work with the public has certainly been an eye-opener for me. Reflecting, I wonder how many of us get into such a routine every day that we pray the same thing, the same words — not thinking about what we're saying. Do we pray an order, asking too much? Do we get angry because we don't get what we ask for instantly? Do we, like some of my customers who throw their money begrudgingly on the counter, give our tithes and offerings because we have to — or because we want to? Most importantly, let's ask ourselves, do we know the One we pray to — do we know His name? Do we think about what comes out of our mouths?

We also need to get to know people, and to try to help others as best we can. We need to learn not to be greedy, to be patient, to be sincere, to slow down. We need to communicate, and not only not have a long list of wants, but to be sure to listen to the Maker. We need to take time to say thank you. The Bible teaches us to live making each moment count. We need to focus on today. Yesterday is gone — forever. We can never bring it back. Tomorrow may never come. Today we are to live for God's glory. The next time we look up at a clock and wonder where the day has gone, let us remember that we are one day closer to eternity!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. (NIV)

Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)

Prayer:

We pray, dear Lord, that we may be
Obedient, only to Thee.

Help us focus on You alone
To have more patience and not to moan.

When we speak, may our words be pure
For slanderous names hurt. That's for sure.

Encourage us to slow our pace
Not running through life, as in a race.

We need to listen Lord, to your commands
And not always giving You demands.

May we be conscious, hour by hour
To be happy and not turn sour.

Enjoy every day, as if our last
This somehow, we cannot clasp.

We can stop! listen and comprehend
The message You're trying to send.

We're too busy though, blocking our ears
To even notice You are near.

Help us all, day by day
Your will to obey.

Let us also pray the words of the hymn, "Take my life," and live them out:

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold.
Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine. Amen.

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