Waiters and waitresses, also known as servers make their living catering to the needs of restaurant patrons. A good server graciously serves their guests, trying to give them the best possible dining experience. Proficient, experienced servers anticipate the needs and requests of their guests before they ask and automatically meet their needs. Servers strive to provide excellent service in hope of receiving a tip or gratuity for their service; indeed, the hope of monetary compensation is a strong motivation for a server to strive to provide exemplary service. Laying aside the financial compensation, the dynamic between a server and guest provides an avenue for one human being to serve another. The principles behind this dynamic of human service are applicable outside of the food service setting. These principles of service have their applications in various aspects of life including everyday friendships, sports teams, occupational settings, religious organizations and in the home.
Family Members Serving One Another
Unfortunately the home at times can be an area of turmoil instead of a place of refuge and respite from the world. Many times the root of this turmoil can be traced to selfishness on the part of one or more of the family members, whether it is a child, sibling or a spouse. The cure for selfishness is found in service to others. The family that spends their time serving one another will have little room left for selfishness. Applying the principles of restaurant service to the home setting can change the atmosphere of the home from one of conflict and strife to one of joy and peace.
Principles of Service
Sacrifice – The good server sacrifices themselves for their guests. They realize that they are there to serve their guests; they make it their goal to meet the needs of the guest. As family members give themselves in service to one another, placing each other’s needs in front of their own, they will see an end to much of their conflicts. Graciousness – Graciousness is a hallmark of a good server. Good servers server their guest graciously with a good attitude and with courtesy, not begrudgingly. Providing acts of service to family members graciously and not grudgingly is essential to harmony within the home. On the other hand, serving one another with an attitude of resentment is not good for the recipient or for the one serving. Consideration – Being able to able to anticipate the needs of a guest is a great trait to have as a server and makes for a great dining experience for a patron. This principle when applied within the home exemplifies the love and care family members have for each other. Additionally, anticipating and meeting needs in advance sends the message I have been thinking about you. Promptness – Being prompt is essential to being a good server. Being prompt is also important around the home. In the home it is essential not only to anticipate and meet needs, but also to take care of needs in a timely manner. If you are not prompt, you may end up providing too little, too late.
This of course is not an exhaustive list of how to serve one another in the home but is rather a few guidelines based upon service principles. Jesus taught His disciples that the greatest among them would be the one who was a servant. Perhaps to be great in our homes and have a great home starts with being a good servant.