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I write from time to time about the importance of good work, well done. We serve people by our work, we serve people at our work, and, if we are believers, we have an opportunity to advance the Kingdom from our work. I’m a huge fan of excellent work. The world is full of artists: some are carpenter artists who frame houses, some are programming artists who write elegant (or even just functional!) code, some exercise their art by fixing cars.

We were blessed on our cruise by the serving artistry of Nestor, from the Philippines, our head waiter at the evening dinner venue. 

Nestor is 42 years old and has been with the cruise line for 19 years. He works with enthusiasm and joy despite the demand: 12 hours/day, 7 days a week, 10 months out of the year. He works to support his family who is back in the Philippines, including sending his sons to college. He paid attention to detail remembering the extra red pepper for our grandson, watermelon appetizer for our granddaughter, and when he heard that June was allergic to onions in a salad asked, “We can bring you another salad with no onions, what dressing would you like?” June replied, “The original dressing is fine.” Nestor said, “No ma’am. It is onion-based, too.”

I don’t know whether or not Nestor is a believer. I left him with one of my books (The Disciple’s Work), which does have the gospel in it. But for us, we would do well to work with the same zeal and spirit of excellence.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3.23, 24, ESV)