It’s funny how much I have done here.  That is, how many different “hats” I’ve worn at IHOP.  My role(s) here have gone through a lot changes in the brief three years I have been here, as have my personal feelings about being here.

I used to work in the Events office.  But office work was not a good fit for me.  It drove me a little crazy.  Just ask the people who used to work with me.

I used to be an usher captain, the closest thing to a leadership position I’d ever agreed to in my life.  That was a good fit and I really enjoyed it, but I’m not a part of ushering anymore.  That season has passed for now.

Then I was a janitor.  I did the job well, but that also wasn’t the best fit for me.  I grew very lonely, and physically burned out.

I used to be in the prayer room at 6am, and that reaffirmed to me that I am not a morning person.  And for nine months I was on Nightwatch (12am-6am).  That was fantastic, but unfortunately not physically or financially sustainable for me.

Now I serve in the evenings (6pm-12am).  I run the soundboard as a part of an evening worship team.  There is also a morning team that I run sound for twice a week.  And I play guitar on a morning team twice a week.

In the afternoons I run my errands, rest, do laundry, call my mother, etc.

But through all the changes in my service, my primary task has remained unchanged:  pray.  It's the first thing, but even here--as a part of a 24/7 prayer ministry--it is the hardest thing.  My faith is weak and I like instant, tangible results.  I like the instant gratification of seeing my accomplishments.  I like being busy (which, unfortunately, often means distracted).

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with work and desire to serve.  That's healthy and we were created that way.  It's not that I advocate laziness, but I do advocate priorities.  Prayer, the weakest thing, is still our greatest asset and privilege.  When we pray, we talk to God.  What is more "effective" than that?