Today sings the praises of an unsung hero that is typically vilified and cast in a demeaning light. It’s the school cafeteria lunch lady.
Think about your typical television depictions. Hair net. Overweight. Large hairy mole on the face. Teeth missing or in a state of decay. Scowling. Slinging scoops of something on those fashionable compartment trays. “NEXT!” they bellow. While this is exceptionally unflattering and inflammatory, it is the image that comes to mind and these words describe what you see in Hollywood portrayals.
Let’s erase that image and allow me to plant another. First, the names from my childhood. Avis Bernath, Joan Ruffer, and Elaine Graber. There were others whose names I wish I could remember. These ladies, though, always stood out. They were kind, friendly, smiling women. They treated the kids like their own grandkids.
Joan would always talk with the kids. She was more stern than the others but you were left with the sense that this wasn’t meanness or crankiness. She would smile and greet the students but wouldn’t tolerate horseplay in the line. It was just that she wanted you to be at your best and if you were goofing around in the lunch line and not paying attention, you were NOT at your best.
Avis just went home to be with the Lord at the end of 2023. She served Stryker Schools for 25 years. She was a Sunday School teacher at her church. Avis was the stereotypical grandma. There was kindness and sweetness oozing out of her. I think she would have hugged all the kids if she could have. What a wonderful lady! I had visited her a couple of times in recent years and she loved the Lord and had been walking with Him for many years. This was reflected in her life and attitude.
Elaine was a cashier as well as an elementary librarian. She was also the stepdaughter of Erie Sauder. I called her “mom” and she was my high school best friend’s mom. I would walk into her home just like it was mine. There were times I would just pop into the library to say high and she always had the biggest smile. Time doesn’t permit me to share all the personal memories I have but she was very special. “Mom” went home to be with the Lord in July 2020. She loved the Lord and had been a believer for many years.
It’s amazing how these memories stick with a person. Evidently, I’m not the only one who had such a positive lunchroom experience with these women who made a positive difference. “Jarrett Krosoczka created School Lunch Hero Day to honor the foodservice employees after returning to his old school, and finding his childhood lunch lady remained and remembered him.”1
Are you a difference maker? Do you make a difference in the lives of others? As Christians, we ought to be this kind of person. Matthew 5:13-16 says, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The primary difference we are to make is leading others to Jesus and recognizing that it is JESUS who is the real Difference Maker. He takes a life that is dead in trespasses and sins and redeems it. As the salt and light of the earth, we are taking that message far and wide, lifting our voices and shining our example so others can see.
This often starts with others seeing our good works. They see the difference in us. They are drawn to our love, kindness, and sweet spirit. They wonder what makes us different. There is an attractiveness to our demeanor.
If you are a lunch lady (or guy), ignore the stereotypes of your profession. Remember that ALL professions have stereotypes which are usually exaggerated and horribly
wrong. Instead, be a Joan, Avis, or Elaine. Leave that lasting impression that causes a kid to fondly remember your shining example 50 years later as if it were today.
1https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/school-lunch-hero-day-first-friday-in-may
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