There are tough days at work that seem determined to humble you. Days when you wake up already behind — and everything after that is a cascade of delays, disappointments, and small office disasters. I remember one such morning at a law firm.
A Morning of Chaos and Courtrooms
I had come in late after a chaotic start to the day. Barely settled at my desk, I was asked to type an urgent affidavit — the client was already waiting, pacing. I went straight to it, trying to focus and type quickly without any errors. Just when I was almost done — you guessed it — the power went out. No warning. I had not even saved the draft.
But what truly layered that season of stress was something outside the office entirely — my side hustle running a boda boda business. I had given someone the bike to operate, and he was meant to pay Ksh 300 daily from his rides. Only, the police harassment was constant. Most riders would abandon the bike and run when they saw an officer. That’s how I ended up making endless trips to the police station — like a routine errand.
One time, I was sent to a senior officer to plead for my confiscated motorcycle. As I stood there, trying to explain my case, another officer came in with a man in cuffs — a murder suspect. But what shocked me was the compassion in the room. This man had killed someone, apparently in self-defense after being badly provoked. The senior officer shook his head slowly and said, “Man, why didn’t you let him beat you?” — as if the law had no room for messy human moments. That man was still going to court.
Eventually, the officer heard me out and gave me back my motorcycle keys. Just like that. No paperwork, no threats. It was surreal.
Owning a motorcycle for business will make you a frequent visitor at the station, especially if you delay renewing your license or insurance by even a day. It’s a hustle that teaches you the law, the loopholes, and sometimes — the limits of justice.
So yes, when a tough day at work hits, it really hits hard. But each disaster leaves you with a story, a scar, and a strange sort of strength. Whether it’s a blackout, a court session, or a visit to the OB desk, I’ve learned that survival is sometimes all the success you need.
What I learned from picky customers, early morning market runs, and fruit-loving gym guys
Running a small grocery store in the estate is not for the faint of heart. The early mornings, the endless customer questions, the price haggling, and yes—the highly particular customers—all come together to make grocery work both exhausting and oddly entertaining.
I once ran a humble shop that sold fruits, vegetables, bread, unga, and a few essentials. I met all kinds of people, but there’s one type that truly stood out…
The Avocado Inspector
There was this lady—let’s just call her Madam Avocado. She would come by regularly, and if she wanted an avocado, she would inspect it like it was a high-end piece of jewelry. I’m not exaggerating. She would:
Check the stem end for softness,
Rotate the fruit slowly like a diamond under light,
Look for invisible dents only she could see,
Even ask if I had “any from a different supplier today.”
And if it was bread? Oh, that was another inspection round!
“Not this one—it looks burnt.” “This one is too pale, was it even baked?” “Do you have fresher ones from this morning?”
I learned quickly: if I saw her approaching, I’d brace myself and pray the avocados had no bruises that day.
Men and Their Fruit Baskets
Another trend I noticed while selling fruits in the estate was how health-conscious men shopped. They didn’t want sweets or biscuits—they wanted:
Avocados (for the healthy fats),
Bananas (post-workout or breakfast-on-the-go),
Carrots (which some claimed helped with eyesight and skin).
One guy even told me, “I take carrots like medicine—two a day, every day.” Grocery store wisdom, I suppose!
That One Late-Night Customer
Just when you thought the day was done, and you were dusting off the counter or closing the last crate, there was always that one customer.
You know the one: They’d show up just as you were turning off the lights, call out casually,
“Ni wa kufunga? Ah, basi nipee ka avocado tu haraka…”
And there you were—unzipping crates again, counting change with half-asleep fingers, smiling like it wasn’t 9:30 p.m. and you hadn’t been up since dawn.
But you serve them anyway. Because that’s the nature of the hustle.
The Hustle Behind the Hustle
What many people don’t realize is that running a grocery store is no small feat.
You have to wake up early (sometimes before 5 a.m.) to go to the market for fresh produce.
You return, arrange everything neatly, and start serving customers who never really stop coming.
There’s hardly time to sit, and you learn quickly that some people will ask for half a banana or a quarter cabbage—and expect exact change.
But you also learn to love the rhythm. There’s community in that daily hustle.
Final Thoughts: Even the Dent-Free Avocado Has a Story
Every job has its joys and jokes, and grocery store work is full of both. You meet people with real quirks, real routines, and real demands—like avocados that must be exactly 85% ripe with zero bruising.
So here’s to the picky ones, the health nuts, and the aunties who know their bread crust better than the baker. And to the late-night shopper—thank you for making sure my day really never ended early.
You made my shop lively, funny, and full of stories I still carry.
Every city corner holds inspiring street sales stories in Kenya—tales of hard work, hope, and resilience from people who hustle daily to make a living. Yesterday, I witnessed one such story that touched me deeply.
At a busy Nairobi crossing, a 77-year-old grandmother was selling avocados with a smile that carried decades of strength and dignity. Her small bucket of fruit was neatly arranged, one avocado sliced open on top to showcase its creamy green flesh. She wasn’t just selling avocados. She was selling survival, dignity, and courage.
The Encounter That Moved Me
Yesterday on my way home, I crossed the main highway. It’s a busy crossing—the kind that makes you pause and double-check both directions even after the light says “walk.”
On the other side, a small stretch of space transforms every evening into an open-air market. Mostly older women sit quietly, spreading out their mats, carefully arranging bananas and avocados in neat piles. Their hands tell stories of work, resilience, and patience.
As I walked past, a gentle voice called out.
Elderly Lady: “Hello.” Me: “Hello.” Elderly Lady: “I am selling avocados.” Me: “Hmm… I don’t have money today.”
She smiled—a warm, engaging smile. I glanced at her bucket filled with avocados, a knife tucked to the side, and one perfect avocado cut open at the top. The flesh was so fresh and creamy that I couldn’t resist.
Me: “Okay, let me have a look. My daughter really loves them.”
She stepped closer, bringing the bucket within reach.
Me: “How much are you selling them?” Elderly Lady: “There are those ones for thirty shillings, and the ones for forty.”
I picked through them gently, testing each one, before settling on a good one.
Me: “I’ll take this one.” Elderly Lady: “You know, it’s not easy to get avocados. They’re really costly, my daughter.” Me: “I know.” Elderly Lady: “Just promote me. You’re not even my daughter—you’re my granddaughter! I’m the mother of your mother. I have great-grandkids, you know.”
She said it with a proud, toothless smile that reached her eyes. She wore a bright, circular kitenge dress that suited her perfectly.
I rummaged through my jacket and pulled out thirty shillings in coins. She smiled again and added softly:
“I’m 77 years old.”
Me: “That’s such a blessing—you don’t even look it.”
She chuckled, then said something that stayed with me:
“It’s because I believe in eating from my sweat—even if it’s little.”
Her words cut deep.
Dignity in the Hustle
I walked away inspired. At 77, this woman still hawks what she has—honest work to put food on her table. That kind of strength moved me deeply.
I remembered a time when I had to sell boiled eggs, walking around and trying to make ends meet. For an introvert like me, it was a tall order just to approach strangers with a smile. It was humbling, uncomfortable, and draining.
But this woman—she stood there smiling, grounded, and confident in her work and worth. She reminded me that dignity lives in sweat-earned coins and in the courage to keep showing up for sales regardless of age.
Why Street Hustles Matter
This grandmother’s avocado bucket represents more than fruit—it represents survival, resilience, and hope. Across Kenya, millions of people rely on street hustles for survival. From roasted maize sellers on the roadside to mitumba traders in open markets, these small businesses form the heartbeat of our informal economy.
In fact, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), about 83.6% of total employment in Kenya is informal, including nearly 72% of non-agricultural jobs (source). Behind every mat spread on the ground is a story of sacrifice: parents paying school fees, grandparents covering medical bills, or single mothers feeding their families.
So, when you see someone selling avocados, groundnuts, or second-hand clothes, remember—they’re not just hustling for today. They’re keeping hope alive for tomorrow.
Lessons for Anyone in Business
As I reflected on this grandmother’s story, I realized her hustle teaches us lessons that apply to anyone in business, whether in the streets or in an office.
Consistency matters. She shows up every day, regardless of age or weather. Business thrives on showing up.
Dignity is in effort, not scale. It’s not about how big your sales are but how honest your work is.
Every sale tells a story. A coin earned from sweat has more value than money gained without effort.
Courage beats comfort. Like her, you must keep smiling and selling, even when times are tough.
If you’re walking the bumpy road to self-employment, you already know how hard it gets when money is low, customers are few, and doubt creeps in. I’ve shared some of my own struggles in this post.
And if you’ve ever felt crippled by self-doubt in business, this grandmother’s words might remind you: “Eat from your sweat—even if it’s little.”
Finally, whether you’re managing a side hustle or a formal business, you can learn to handle your finances better. Every shilling counts, just like every avocado mattered to her.
A Final Reflection
Street hustles carry powerful lessons about perseverance and faith. This 77-year-old grandmother’s avocado story reminds us that no matter your age or situation, you can still rise and keep going.
So next time you pass by someone selling fruits, maize, or clothes, pause for a moment. See more than the goods—see the story, the fight, and the hope behind them.
Because at the end of the day, inspiring street sales stories in Kenya are not just about money. They are about survival, dignity, and the unstoppable human spirit.
A Morning Visitor: The Maroon Firefinch and Weaver Bird
This morning, I was trying to identify a frequent feathered visitor to the tent outside my office door. After several sightings and a bit of digging, I finally got a name: the Maroon Firefinch! Tiny, fearless, and swift, it came right up to my feet as it pecked at fallen termites, drawn to the light above the entrance after a rainy night.
Not long after, a yellow and brown weaver bird joined the scene—just as curious, just as committed to its morning mission. And just like that, the start of my workday was made brighter. No drama. No big gestures. Just nature doing its quiet thing.
The Power of Little Things in Customer Care
It reminded me of something important in customer care: the beauty—and power—of little things.
A warm smile at the front desk. A handwritten note. The way we remember a returning client’s name, or how we respond when a child spills juice in the waiting area. These aren’t headline moments, but they create atmosphere. They linger.
A Job Seeker’s Experience: When First Impressions Fail
I once had a friend who was job-hunting. Someone referred him to a person working in this office. Eager and hopeful, he came in—only to be completely ignored by the receptionist. No eye contact. No “hello.” Just silence.
He sat there awkwardly, wondering if he was in the right place.
After a while, the person he had come to see came out and warmly greeted him. Noticing the tension, they asked the receptionist to kindly serve him a cup of tea. She did—but with such coldness that she nearly poured the tea on him. Not a single smile.
That experience stayed with him. It crushed something inside. He never pursued another job in an office again.
All it would’ve taken was a smile. A welcome. A simple, “Let me find the person you’re here to see.”
The Bright Side: Customers Who Light Up Your Day
But on the flip side, there are also those customers who arrive with so much warmth and charm, they change your whole mood. You know the kind—their conversation is so light and delightful that by the time they leave, your day feels lifted. They remind us that kindness is a two-way street. Just as we can make someone’s day, a customer can make ours.
Remember: Small Gestures Are Everything
So when I see birds like the Firefinch or the Weaver carrying out their tiny but purposeful morning routines, I’m reminded: in customer care, the smallest gestures carry great weight.
A smile. A greeting. An effort to acknowledge. These are not extras—they’re essentials.
Let’s not underestimate the little things. Because sometimes, they shape someone’s whole direction. Or make someone’s whole day.
Here’s to a week of noticing—and being—the beauty in the details.
It’s Monday, and I’m still laughing about something that happened over the weekend. If you’ve worked front desk or customer care long enough, you know how children shape the service experience—sometimes in hilarious, surprising, and even heartwarming ways.
Over the weekend, I was serving a lovely client who came in with her two boys—one around eight, the other closer to four. As we chatted, I suddenly felt my chair drop. The younger one had discovered that magical lever under my office chair and pulled it. Down I went, slow and steady like an elevator. We all burst into laughter.
In that moment, I wasn’t sure whether to stay professional or just laugh with them. But the joy was contagious, and laughter won. That little incident reminded me: children, even when they’re not the official clients, play a big role in the service experience.
🧒 How Children Shape the Service Experience in Real Time
Many businesses focus their service on adults. However, in clinics, shops, churches—even government offices—children are never just background noise. Whether they’re tugging at sleeves, pressing buttons, or wandering curiously, they actively shape the environment.
More importantly, they shape how parents feel during service.
From my cashier experience in Nairobi, I remember one mum who always chose our stall at the market. Her reason? Her daughter loved the small sticker we gave with every purchase. That sticker didn’t cost much—but it meant everything to that child. And to her mother, it showed that we noticed them both.
🎯 Family-Friendly Service Is Good for Business
Today, smart businesses go out of their way to create welcoming spaces for kids. A play area in a clinic, floaters in a hotel pool, or fun packaging for children’s meals—these are not just nice extras. They are strategies. They show customers, “We thought of your child too.”
💖 Parents Remember Details
When a child feels safe and happy, parents relax. They are more patient, more likely to stay longer, and more likely to return. A simple gesture—like a coloring book at the waiting area—can build brand loyalty that lasts for years.
At the church front desk, I noticed something similar. Parents would say, “My child loves Sunday school,” and that one comment would keep entire families coming back. It wasn’t just the sermon or choir—it was the care shown to the little ones.
🧠 Tiny Customers, Huge Lessons
Children don’t just shape the service experience for parents. They teach us, the workers, important lessons too.
💬 They Teach Us to Be Present
Children live in the now. When they’re happy, they giggle. When they’re upset, everyone knows. Serving them reminds us to be attentive, to listen closely, and to react with heart—not just procedure.
🌟 They Break the Ice
Some of my most tense moments with customers have been softened by a curious child. Once, a mother came in stressed over a missing document. Her son peeked over the desk and asked me if I had sweets. That tiny moment brought us all into the present—and turned stress into smiles.
💼 Kids Are Part of Your Brand
Families remember how your service made them feel. Kids play a key role in that memory.
According to the Harvard Business Review article “The Value of Customer Experience, Quantified”, customers who have the best past experiences spend significantly more and remain loyal for longer. That loyalty often begins with small moments—like how well their children were treated.
🖍️ Simple Touches, Lasting Memories
Even with a small budget, you can add little extras that make kids feel welcome:
These details matter. Even handling unstable customers can be easier when a child is nearby. You naturally soften your tone, become more aware, and serve with more patience and presence.
🧰 How Front Desk Teams Can Create Kid-Friendly Experiences
You don’t need a huge budget to make children feel seen and welcome. Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.
✨ Start with a Mini Welcome Zone
Place a small basket with coloring books or a few quiet toys near your desk. If you’re short on space, even a printed sheet and a box of crayons can make a child feel at home.
✨ Expect the Unexpected
Be ready for the occasional question: “Where’s the toilet?” “Do you have juice?” or “Why is your name tag shiny?” When they pull your chair lever or tap your keyboard, smile. These tiny humans are exploring life—and your workplace is part of their world for a moment.
🨂 Real Service Means Real Moments
One day, a child covered my desk logbook with smiley face stickers. Did it delay my work? Yes. Did it brighten my shift? Absolutely.
Children bring color into a world that can sometimes feel like black-and-white policy. They remind us that at the heart of service is connection, kindness, and the occasional comic relief.
💬 Share Your Story With Me!
Have you ever had a child totally change your day at work? Or taught you a life lesson from the other side of the counter?
👉 I’d love to hear your story! Drop it in the comments or send me a message on Facebook or directly via LinkedIn…” Let’s swap tales and celebrate the little ones who make our jobs a little brighter.
👉 Want more behind-the-desk stories? Explore these other reflections:
When I was a teenager, my mother would often leave me in charge of her shop. If she said I should be there by 2:00 PM, she meant ten minutes earlier—not on the dot.
If I showed up even five minutes late, she’d be five minutes mad—the “Why are you not here already?” kind of mad.
For her, respecting customers’ time wasn’t just good business—it was a way of life. She never kept customers waiting, and she expected the same from me.
That’s when I first learned: 👉 Time is more than a number. It’s a statement of respect.
How It Feels When You Don’t Respect Customers’ Time
Have you ever walked into an office or shop and felt invisible?
Staff are around—chatting, typing, moving—but no one even acknowledges you. Even if they’re busy, the silence says:
“You don’t matter right now.”
But with one sentence, the whole experience changes:
“Hi, I’ll be with you in five minutes.”
Suddenly, you’re not ignored. You’re expected.
This is what respecting customers’ time looks like—communicating, acknowledging, and prioritizing their presence.
Respecting Customers’ Time in Real-Life Situations
In a Restaurant
You sit. You wait. No one checks on you. You wonder if anyone’s working. But a simple greeting like “We’ll be right with you” keeps the waiting bearable—and respectful.
In an Office Queue
You line up. You explain your issue. Only to be told you should’ve gone elsewhere first. No one informed you. Now you start over.
It’s not just a waste of time—it’s frustrating and disrespectful.
I once queued at a public hospital, saw the doctor after a long wait, only to hear, “You were supposed to pass by vitals first.” I didn’t even know where that room was.
That could’ve been avoided with one sign or sentence.
Simple Tips for Respecting Customers’ Time
Here are practical, respectful ways to manage customer time better:
✅ Plan Ahead
Anticipate busy hours and staff accordingly. Don’t let customers suffer due to poor planning.
✅ Be Ready on Time
If you open at 8:00 AM, systems should be up and running by 7:55—not still booting at 8:15.
✅ Place a Knowledgeable Person at the Enquiry Desk
Customers should get clear direction from the first person they meet.
✅ Use Signage
Clear posters, checklists, or arrows save customers from unnecessary back-and-forth.
✅ Set Expectations
“Kindly visit Room 2 with your ID before returning here.” That one line prevents wasted time.
✅ Prevent Common Mistakes
If many people forget a document or step, display a reminder or have someone check at the door.
✅ Always Acknowledge Presence
Even a warm “I see you, I’ll be with you shortly” means a lot. Don’t let customers feel invisible.
Final Thought: Time Is a Form of Respect
From shops to hospitals, how you handle a customer’s time says everything about how you see them.
Respecting customers’ time is respecting their dignity.
When we value people’s time, we show them they matter. And that is the soul of excellent customer care.
Bonus Resource: Build Habits That Respect Time
If you’re committed to respecting customers’ time, the journey begins with how you manage your own.
One highly recommended read is Atomic Habits by James Clear—a powerful guide to building small, consistent actions that lead to big results. It’s especially useful for anyone in customer service or business who wants to become more reliable, responsive, and time-conscious.
Customer care burnout is not just tiredness at the end of a long shift—it is a deep emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that creeps in slowly and lingers far beyond working hours. Anyone who has ever worked a 12-hour job, seven days a week, while juggling motherhood and hustles knows this truth: burnout is real, and if ignored, it can lead to serious health breakdowns.
I’ve lived it. Fresh in the morning, fading by noon. By the time the queue stretches beyond 15 people, fatigue seeps into your shoulders, your eyes glaze over, and your voice begins to sound distant—even to yourself. That’s the daily rhythm of customer care burnout.
But what many don’t realize is that burnout isn’t one-size-fits-all. Researchers and workplace wellness experts categorize it into different types of burnout, each rooted in unique underlying causes. Understanding which type you’re facing is the first step in learning how to cope with customer care burnout and reclaiming your balance.
Types of Burnout
1. Overload Burnout (Frenetic Burnout)
This is the most common in customer care roles. It comes from constant demands, long queues, heavy workloads, and inhuman schedules. You sacrifice personal well-being just to keep up. You ignore breaks, skip meals, and sometimes even push through sickness because the pressure feels unrelenting.
👉 This is what I felt working 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week, while trying to be present as a mother and still running side hustles. It’s unsustainable, and over time, your body will force you to stop—through illness, collapse, or complete emotional detachment.
This type comes from the opposite extreme—not enough stimulation. Imagine working in a role where you’re repeating the same instructions a hundred times a day, with no room for growth, no recognition, and no challenges. You may not be overworked physically, but you feel stuck, bored, and underappreciated.
In customer care, this often looks like robotic service—processing tickets or stamping papers endlessly without any engagement. The danger is that boredom morphs into cynicism, and you stop caring about the people behind the desk.
This form grows when you feel helpless, unsupported, and incompetent, even when you are doing your best. It happens when no matter how much effort you put in, you cannot keep up with the demands—and your employer offers little to no support.
You end up emotionally withdrawing, giving minimal effort, or feeling numb toward customers. In customer care, neglect burnout is especially dangerous because you still have to smile, listen, and empathize—even when you feel completely drained.
Sometimes, the issue isn’t workload—it’s values. If your goals, ethics, or sense of purpose don’t align with the company’s culture, every day feels like you’re betraying yourself just by clocking in.
For example, maybe you value empathy, but the organization pushes for speed over quality. Or you believe in fairness, but the system favors certain clients over others. That dissonance eats at you until you feel constantly conflicted.
👉 If you’ve ever worked for an employer who seemed inhuman, disregarding staff well-being, you’ve likely tasted misalignment burnout.
At 8 a.m., my desk was neat, my smile genuine, my energy sharp.
By noon, I was serving on autopilot, repeating the same questions without truly registering faces.
By evening, my shoulders ached, my feet swelled, and my chest tightened from leaning too long on the desk.
And yet—every customer had a story. An elderly man struggling with the system. A mother with a wailing baby. A frustrated client who walked in angry long before I said “Karibu.” Somehow, even in my exhaustion, I was expected to meet each storm with calm.
That constant push and pull—between empathy and fatigue—is the very heart of customer care burnout.
How to Cope With Customer Care Burnout
1. Acknowledge and Identify Your Type
Knowing whether you’re in overload, under-challenged, neglect, or misalignment burnout helps you choose the right coping strategies.
2. Build Micro-Breaks Into Your Day
Even when the queue won’t stop, sneak 60-second resets:
Stick to first come, first served for fairness—but trust your instincts. If someone is visibly unwell or a baby is crying, compassion should refine the rule.
If you are in an inhuman workplace that refuses to change, the most sustainable solution is eventually leaving. That doesn’t mean quitting tomorrow, but it does mean:
At the end of the day, the tasks you completed won’t matter as much as the grace you held onto. The patience you gave when you had none left. The laughter that broke through the tension.
But remember this: behind every number in the queue is a human being—and behind that desk, so are you.
So when the weight of customer care burnout threatens to crush you, pause. Breathe. Remind yourself that survival is not selfish—it’s necessary.
💬 Have you ever experienced burnout in customer care or another demanding job? How do you cope when things don’t let up? Share your thoughts in the comments—this space is for all of us behind the desk.
There was a time in my life when Monday mornings meant one thing: a trip to the bank with the Sunday offering from church. Sounds routine—but in reality, it was a full-blown expedition.
I’d arrive early, but never early enough. A crowd was always already there outside the banking hall, waiting for the 8:30 a.m. opening. It was even worse around school opening dates. Most banks hadn’t introduced customer chairs yet, so standing was the default. You could feel the collective impatience building. The staff often took their time settling in, and the queues moved slower than a Monday mood.
Just When It’s Almost My Turn…
Like clockwork, just as I was about to be served, the queue would stall. A customer with a complex, never-ending issue would hold up the line. Then, as if on cue, the Securicor team would show up with their heavy-duty sacks of cash. Of course, they had priority. That meant my whole morning could vanish while the deposit remained untouched in my handbag.
Queues and Compassion Don’t Always Go Together
I often thought of pregnant women or the elderly in those queues. The standing wasn’t the hardest part—it was the lack of empathy from fellow customers. I remember during one election season when I was expectant, and we were given priority to vote. The murmurs from behind us still ring in my ears.
“That’s for your leisure—don’t inconvenience us. Having babies is fun.”
Those words stuck. The discomfort of standing for hours was one thing, but the coldness in people’s voices was something else. It was uncomfortable, yes—but also oddly amusing. The way people could turn something as natural and noble as motherhood into a punchline just to protect their place in a queue made me shake my head and chuckle, even as my back ached and my feet swelled.
The Baby-Swapping Tactic
At the same voting centre, mothers with babies were being allowed to vote first. It didn’t take long before people started passing babies between one another just to cut the queue. Eventually, election officials started marking the babies’ thumbs too—because even infants weren’t safe from our cleverness. Only in Kenya!
When Queues Turn Deadly
Then there’s a memory that still sends chills down my spine. Years ago, there was a big Christmas concert at one of Nairobi’s most popular venues. Young people from all corners came to attend. The queues were long, excitement high, and security overstretched. Just before midnight, fireworks lit the sky—and panic broke out. The crowd surged forward in chaos. A stampede. Three lives were lost that night.
All because we never really learned how to wait well.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Line
Long queues are not just a test of patience—they’re a test of systems, empathy, and how we manage people under pressure. Whether it’s a bank, a polling station, or a concert gate, the line we stand in is never just a line. It tells a quiet story about who we are when we think no one is watching.
That’s all from the queue today—catch you in the next reflection! Don’t forget your patience.
Serving in Church Behind the Scenes: What Most People Don’t See
They say Sunday is a day of rest. For many, it’s a time for brunch, relaxation, or catching up on sleep. But for those of us serving in church behind the scenes, Sunday is anything but restful. It’s a day packed with preparation, dedication, and quiet acts of service that often go unnoticed—but never unappreciated.
The Early Morning Hustle: More Than Just a Service
My Sunday begins long before the sun rises. At 4 a.m., when most are still deep in sleep, my alarm goes off. I gently nudge my son awake, and together we begin our routine. There’s no café or breakfast joint open this early, so we heat leftovers from the night before.
I carry tea in this insulated travel mug — it keeps my tea warm even four hours into my shift while I move from one station to the next.
By 5 a.m., we’re on the road. My mind races through a checklist: prep the kitchen, get the tea boiling, and organize the media desk. As the sweet aroma of Kenyan tea fills the church hall, I whisper, “God, help me serve with a full heart.”
Why Volunteering in Church Behind the Scenes Matters
Serving in church behind the scenes means wearing many hats. At 6:30 a.m., I’m at the media desk preparing for the first service — reviewing liturgy, uploading sermon slides, checking microphones.
Want smoother presentations? I recommend this wireless slide clicker — it’s helped me keep focus during transitions.
Then come the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. services — each with its rhythm, energy, and unexpected needs.
Behind-the-Scenes Church Duties: Offerings and Hospitality
Between services, I manage the offertory. I unlock the boxes, count the money, record every shilling. It’s a sacred responsibility. For that, I use a simple cash organizer that keeps notes and coins neat.
Next, I serve tea with the hospitality team. Even when I’m tired, a warm smile and cup go a long way in making someone feel welcome. These little unseen moments — pouring tea, arranging chairs, wiping spills — they are ministry too.
Faith Beyond Applause: A Life of Quiet Commitment
By the end of the last service, I’ve been on my feet for over six hours. I haven’t sat. I haven’t eaten. Yet my heart is full.
Serving in church behind the scenes isn’t about applause or a platform. It’s about giving your all — quietly, faithfully — because God sees what others don’t.
For me, Sunday isn’t a rest day — it’s a calling. The reward isn’t praise or position. It’s knowing I contributed to something greater than myself.
To stay organized, I carry this simple church volunteer notebook — it holds everything from announcements to prayer requests.
So next time you attend a Sunday service, spare a thought for the quiet servers — the ones serving in church behind the scenes. They’re the heartbeat of the ministry.
🙋🏾♀️ How Do You Serve in Your Church?
Are you also serving in church behind the scenes — or planning to start? I’d love to hear your story.
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Welcome! This blog, Lobby Reflections, is full of real stories from my life behind church, clinic, and office desks. 👉 Explore more reflections at lobbyreflections.co.ke and subscribe for new updates.
Serving as a church secretary was one of the most emotionally intense customer care roles I’ve ever handled. Many people think church front desk work is all about handing out bulletins or answering calls, but my church front desk stories revealed something deeper—a sacred frontline where faith, caution, and compassion had to coexist.
Real Church Front Desk Stories in Ministry
People didn’t just walk into the church looking for service times. They came with burdens—some visible, others carefully hidden behind practiced smiles. These encounters became part of my most powerful church front desk stories.
Much like what I shared in my customer care experiences across Kenya, the front desk in church was also a listening post. You had to discern not just what people said, but what they didn’t say.
When Church Front Desk Stories Meet Hesitation
Church Front Desk Stories That Touched—and Tested—Our Faith
Every week brought new faces. Some came in for prayer, others for food, and some for fare to upcountry. And in ministry, it’s not always easy to tell who’s in real need and who’s just mastered the script.
One man came to church, attending every service that Sunday—from dawn to dusk. By evening, someone helped him with food and fare. He returned the next day, singing beautifully and offering to help with services. Eventually, he was hosted by a kind pianist.
Then one day, he vanished—along with the pianist’s laptop and cash.
A week later, we learned he had repeated the same act in another church.
This was a hard lesson in setting boundaries without losing our hearts. (If you’re in ministry or customer-facing roles, you may find a portable, secure backpack like this one on Amazon useful—especially when you’re carrying electronics.)
Discernment in Church Front Desk Stories
The Boy Who Disappeared in Our Church Front Desk Encounter
After a youth concert one evening, a hotel manager approached us with a ten-year-old boy claiming to have traveled from Uganda to find his father in Kenya. His story felt too perfectly tragic.
Still, it was late. We gave him a warm meal and called the duty pastor. Plans were made to escort him to the police for shelter. But before we could leave, he disappeared.
We never saw him again.
To this day, I wonder if he was alone—or if someone was using him to test how soft-hearted church workers could be.
Compassion With Boundaries in Church Front Desk Stories
These church front desk stories shaped my understanding of real ministry. It wasn’t just about giving; it was about giving wisely.
You have to balance your emotions and gut instincts. Just like when working as a cashier in Nairobi, there’s always the need to stay alert and grounded—even when your heart is moved.
Ministry isn’t always pulpit or praise—it’s presence. Silent, attentive, ready. And the front desk becomes that sacred waiting place.
Need a simple notebook for journaling your ministry encounters or prayers? This leather journal makes a great companion for reflection.
What Church Front Desk Stories Taught Me
Here are key lessons I took with me from my time at the desk:
1. Every Face Tells a Story
Don’t rush people. Whether they’re asking for directions or breaking down in tears, listen fully. Sometimes, that’s all they came for.
2. Say “No” With Kindness
Not everyone can be helped financially. But a firm no, delivered with respect, is still love in action.
3. Be Wise as a Serpent, Gentle as a Dove
This biblical balance (Matthew 10:16) applies daily. It’s not un-Christian to vet stories or involve security. Safety matters—yours and the church’s.
Tools That Support Church Front Desk Ministry
In a high-traffic church front office, staying organized is vital. Here are some items that helped me stay efficient and present:
– Great for holding prayer request slips, pens, and tithe envelopes.
– Hydration during long shifts is a must.
– Because some days at the desk feel longer than they are.
Outbound Inspiration: Wisdom for Church Front Desk Stories
Frontline ministry challenges aren’t unique. Many resources speak directly to the need for compassion, discernment, and healthy boundaries:
Healthy Boundaries in Ministry: A Biblical and Practical Guide by Standing Stone Ministry explores how setting limits is rooted in Scripture and essential to sustainable ministry (standingstoneministry.org).
Compassion Fatigue: The Toll of Caring Too Much reminds ministry workers that empathy without careful self-care can lead to emotional exhaustion—and offers practical strategies for self-protection (verywellmind.com).
From real frontline voices, a Reddit discussion reflects the tension many feel: “You weren’t meant to shoulder the whole world and all their needs… The trick is where to draw the line.”
What Would You Do?
Have you ever worked in a church, NGO, or outreach space where compassion met caution? Have you struggled to tell if a request was sincere?
These church front desk stories taught me that even when you don’t have money or answers, people remember how you treated them.
Feel free to share your own stories in the comments—or message me privately. Let’s build a community that sees people fully, even when we can’t fix everything.
Final Reflection: Front Desk as Ministry
I now believe that a church front desk is not just a workstation—it’s a ministry station. It’s where theology meets humanity, where the broken find courage to show up, and where ministry workers must keep their hearts open but their eyes sharp.
Every story, no matter how short or suspicious, deserves a moment of dignity. Because behind each face is a soul. And in ministry, that’s sacred.
