Mechanics have the hardest job on earth (next to politicians). It must seem impossible to please everyone.

We non-car people don’t know anything. “The thingy is making a noise and sounds like “woo woo woo.” But only on rainy days and Mondays.

They don’t know what to do with us.

So even with a simple “oil change,” it’s no surprise they dread seeing us coming. Such was the case on a recent Saturday morning.

I arrive and the “Team Member,” his face glued to his screen, mindlessly tapping away at something, maybe nothing, took a minute before acknowledging my presence.

“Help you?” he sighs. “Yes!” I smile, all perky and annoying. “I’d like an oil change for my Prius, please!”

“Gonna be a five hour wait.”

“Oh,” a bit surprised since it’s only 8 a.m. “Guess I’ll need a Five-Hour Energy!”

…crickets…

Admittedly, it was a dumb joke. In my defense, I was only on coffee #1.

We endured awkward silence as his far-away gaze started to frighten me. “Okay,” I gathered myself. “What do you recommend?”

“Monday.”

Sure. I’ll easily have five hours Monday. I don’t do anything on Monday. Take all day if you want. Monday is nothing.

My guess: they actually were backed up – a good problem for them. Five hours? Maybe they shoot high so if they say five and it’s only four, they look good.

Maybe some mechanics are so tired of long hours, hard labor, and dumb guys like me, they’ve lost their joy and it shows. Maybe they need a break.

So, I’ll try in my layman’s non car-guy brain to understand their plight. Plus, it’s a reminder do my best in my work and keep an attitude of service.

See you Monday, Car Guy.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,…” Philippians 2:3