Unrecognized

I rarely watch TV anymore as I rarely see anything worth watching. The following is about a show which was. This is from April 4, 2010.

Reality shows have replaced traditional programming over the airways the past several years. My belief is that they are increasingly silly and far-fetched. But, I have to admit that my new favorite television show is reality based. Several weeks ago on a Sunday evening when I sat down in front of my television to eat supper, there was little offered so I found myself watching what I assumed would be a forgettable program. I was wrong. Undercover Boss is a CBS show based on an English version of the same name. The plot revolves around the President/CEO of a number of well-known American businesses working incognito in the company they direct. The branches, scattered around the country, are told that a documentary is being filmed on entry level jobs in the organization. The boss changes his appearance somewhat, usually with facial hair and glasses, and takes an assumed name. For a week, he works a new lower level job each day. The next week, there is a revealing at national headquarters to the shocked employees involved in unknowingly training the highest ranking person in the company. Whatever you do, don't miss the last fifteen minutes!

I have to admit that I am hooked on Undercover Boss after watching about five episodes. It's amazing to follow the journey of the highest ranking official as he discovers two things; that people on the front lines have incredibly tough jobs and that each previously faceless employee has a story to tell. The scenarios are both humorous and touching. Tonight, the CEO of RotoRooter, Rick Arquilla, learned he could not figure out the call-in system THAT HE DESIGNED. He became emotional as he worked with Chris, a recovering addict, remembering his father's own battle with alcohol. He was moved as he toiled side-by-side with a worker who had lost time and money to a 95% heart blockage. The switchboard operator who tried to teach him his system had an autistic child who she could not afford to help. Henry, the field worker the other workers call for advice, gave twenty-thirty hours per week of community service in coaching basketball for a team of poor kids with no transportation except for he and his wife. Several times in this episode, Mr. Arquilla broke down and wept as he considered, maybe for the first time, the men and women who anonymously put on the RotoRooter uniform everyday of the year. His perception of his duty changed forever.

Is it just me or can you see an application from this show to Jesus becoming human to learn humanity on the front lines? John 1:14 tells us that, ''the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.'' I have been floored at how removed these executives have been until they walk the same streets as those who make the companies run at the most basic level. The compassionate sides they reveal when they witness the struggles and heartaches is worth watching the entire show. Tonight, I was reminded of how Jesus wept over Jerusalem and how Jesus wept when his friend, Lazarus, lay decomposing in the tomb. I know it's not a perfect comparison between the Savior and earthly businesses but the bosses learned empathy from walking the paths their underlings tread daily. Isn't that the what the Christ did for the world He created? And, two thousand years later, aren't we glad He did?

Applicable quote of the day:
"If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.”
Bill Gates

God bless,

Steve
Luke 18:1

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E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com