SERVICE?

Today's random question: Why hold food hostage?

It's Easter Eve. No doubt, gatherings and events have been planned that involve food. There's something to be said of presentation, but do you invite people over, put food in front of the hungry group, and expect them to just stare at it? Do you engage them in some activity, and tell them the meal is for "later"? Who said they will even WANT it "later"--after it has been sitting out for HOURS getting cold?
If your invited guests indicate that they are hungry NOW, and the food prepared (and ON the table ) is designated FOR them, why not allow them to eat it--ESPECIALLY while it's nice and hot? What should prevail? THEIR immediate hunger, or YOUR plan? If you don't want people to eat "now"; if you have decided that the TIME to eat is more important than the NEED to eat, don't put food in front of people! Honestly, is it for consumption or DECORATION? WHY go to all the trouble preparing a meal for people, and then allow it to be rendered an undesirable, unappetizing case of food poisoning? The only thing that goes on under cellophane at room temperature is condensation--and it does a serious injustice to the appeal of the meal. (Do you wonder sometimes if hosts are hoping that their guests DON'T eat, so that they can eat the food themselves?)
Dear Host (of any kind where food is involved)
Don't torture your guests. You invited them. Don't make them beg or feel unwelcome. If it IS for "later", keep it safely refrigerated, and then warm up the vittles whenever the "official" TIME to eat rolls around. Perhaps, by then, your guests will still be hungry--after they've managed to scrounge up a meal of Tic-Tacs and chewing gum.
Don't tell people that something belongs to them, and then arrogantly haggle over when, and how they use it--or behave as if you don't really want them to have it.
Sincerely,
Hungry People

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There are some things that have to be taught--the earlier in life, the better. Kindness, courtesy, politeness, discretion, compassion and hospitality are among them. Never allow your title or position--or temporary assignment--to cause you to welcome an "I'm in-charge" spirit, and allow it to reign so much so, that you totally forget what it means to serve, to be reasonable, rational, and gracious. If you don't like people, have no consideration for their basic needs, OR you value things, protocol, pomp and circumstance, and appearances more than PEOPLE, there are some jobs--professional or voluntary-- that you just shouldn't seek or accept.

You can ALWAYS tell who took on the job to actually SERVE, and who took on the job just to be in the mix, or to have the rare opportunity to bark orders at others. Too many chiefs in ANY situation is a confused mess waiting to happen, and a poor reflection of the actual responsible entity or person. It is very important to choose wisely when delegating authority. One bad apple makes the whole bunch seem bananas--and leaves a bad taste in even an empty mouth.