Oct

10

Sanctifying Your Work - White Castle Style

October 10, 2008 |

There is a fast food joint in the Midwest called “White Castle.”  The buildings are in the shape of a castle and the joint serves up burgers, chicken patties, and fish that are the size of your palm.  It is a tradition for college kids and late night party-goers.  The food is tasty and aromatic, but is best ingested with a knowing and strong stomach.

There is a loyalty to White Castle that transcends generations.  There is also a loyalty that permeates those who work there.

I read this week in my weekly neighborhood newspaper about Jim Mundt.

According to the Pulse Journal, he started at White Castle at the age of 17, looking for money for a car.  He worked 40 hour weeks and was quickly noticed by the higher-ups.  Increasing responsibility followed as he went from shift manager to general manager to district supervisor to area supervisor to assistant regional director.  He finally hit the White Castle jackpot when he was given responsibility over 48 stores in the Southwest Ohio region.

After 45 years, he was all set to retire on September 15th.  But, nature intervened and on September 14th, Tropical Storm Ike blew through and knocked out electricity to 90% of our region; most White Castles included.

On the morning that was supposed to be his last, Jim drove to his usual White Castle to get his morning coffee and saw that it was open for business.  And that is when he saw the lines everywhere, as this particular White Castle was one of the few area eateries open.

Jim did what he should have done.  He parked his car, went into the restaurant, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work.  45 years of experience meant nothing as he worked as if he was 17-years old again.

And this attitude is how we should approach our work and our life.  Jim saw a need and took care of it.  No responsibility was beneath his pay grade; no job beneath his station in life.

He served that day as the face of Christ.

Take my word for it, those in line were thankful for a hot cup of coffee and a hot meal.  The workers at White Castle, who were expecting a normal Monday morning crowd, were thankful that their “boss from regional” was in the trenches with them.

God calls us each to sanctify our work, no matter our work, no matter the day.  Each and every day, we have a job to do; and this job is God’s work that he chooses to do through us.  Our jobs should provide for our family needs; serve other people; create something of value.  We should approach each day as if the success of the kingdom of God depends upon our effort at work that day.  And if we cannot find the extrinsic worth of our jobs, then maybe we need to be talking to God about what he wants us to be doing.

Jim Mundt fed countless thousands through his White Castle years.  He provided memories and traditions.  He enabled jobs for the young and old.  And on this, his last day, despite his lofty position, he rolled up his sleeves and turned back the clock 45 years, so he could serve one last time, White Castle style.


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