The Cheers or Groans of the 59,999 Other People…

It was the fourth quarter and the game was on the line. Our team was pushing the ball down the field on a drive led by the quarterback. I anxiously watched the play clock, as the seconds ticked down to 4 minutes to go in the game. I high-fived the group that I had come to the college football game with – knowing I would only figure out what happened next by hearing the cheers or groans of the 59,999 other people in the stadium that day. 

As I walked towards the office, my question was simple:
“Is cleaning toilets God’s work or will for me?”

Recently- I’ have’ve had the same question as I’ve hosted some temporary, but consistent “company” and it’s the second season in my life that I’ve pondered this question. 

The first time was in 1988.
I had just cleaned 80 toilets and was sent to help my “teammate” finish his 80. I was taught by my parents to work quickly and be thorough. Perhaps it was a skillset I wasn’t sure I was proud of on this given day.
My manager had already told me I was in discussions to be considered a team lead (promotion) despite having only been on the job for a few months.
It was a promotion I had no interest in. I was grateful to have a job – but I was not interested in furthering my career in this industry. 

My job was simple and carried with it a few perks, but no glory.
I was a custodian.
Therefore, cleaning toilets put bread on the table. But truth be told, I was a college student who was sick of sandwiches and had discovered the ease of cold cereal for three meals a day. So in actuality- cleaning toilets put cereal on the table…

The perks were the reason I took the job. But even they- came with an opportunity cost.
My custodial duties included daily shifts beginning at 4 a.m., and cleaning after all events at both the football stadium and basketball arena.
Therein were the perks. My admission ticket was “free”.

I was required to report to my station halfway through the 4th quarter of every basketball game, and within 4 minutes left on the time clock of the football game.
I never saw the last-second shot, rushed the field, or high-fived my group with a last clutch play in a game.
I reported for duty. 

It was a humble job.
Fitting- since faith mixed with humility took me there…

The other day I sprayed my new favorite cleaner (weird that I have one of those…?) on a toilet to give it a refresh…
I asked myself the same question…
“Is cleaning toilets God’s work or will for me?”

Maybe the details of such are all the results of my agency…
But there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m where God has asked me to go and I’ve been sent to do His work. Cleaning toilets is just a simple effect of the cause that brought me to where I am. 

It began with sifting through the noise to better hear God amongst all of the clamor and differing opinions. As others weigh in on thoughts about what I should do or where I should go. I need to Hear God and claim the strength He gives me through the Atonement of His son, Jesus Christ to leave behind what’s of no use and embrace the knowledge that God will speak to me. 

It’s a reassurance that I’ve known at times in my life. There are common themes surrounding it this time- just like the last. It’s a confidence of being where God wants me to be and whatever the daily details of ‘doing’ are – even cleaning toilets- they seem to matter less. I’ll suffice today with peace in this chapter, and giving myself a high-five for an awesome bathroom refresh!

-JC

Oat Crumble Pumpkin Bars

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil 
2 eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups canned pumpkin purée
2 ⅔ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Cream sugar with oil. Stir in eggs, sour cream and pumpkin puree.
Add dry ingredients and stir until well blended. 
Spoon batter into a greased/ parchment lined 9” x 13” baking pan. 
Sprinkle with Spiced Oat Crumble. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or until done. Let cool a bit.
Drizzle with Spiced Cream Cheese Icing. 
Let set. Share!

Spiced Oat Crumble
Brown ½ cup +2 Tablespoons butter by melting it on medium-high heat until it’s foamy and turns brown.  Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.

Mix together:
½ cup +2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar 
¾ cup all-purpose flour 
1 cup quick oats
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
½ teaspoon nutmeg

Add browned butter.
Stir until pea-sized crumbs form. 
Set aside.

Spiced Cream Cheese Icing
4 Tablespoons softened cream cheese
3 Tablespoons soft butter
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of ground cloves
Dash of salt

Combine the ingredients all at once and use a food processor or electric mixer to blend thoroughly. 
Spoon into quart size freezer strength Ziploc. Cut small corner to pipe onto bars.