About five years ago, my son Sam and I took a surfing trip to Siargao, Philippines.
Siargao is a world-famous surfing destination, but instead of staying in the bustling General Luna area, we found a quiet little village tucked away from the crowds. After an incredible day of surfing, we came back late, starving, and in search of food. The only place open was a small spot called Burger Joint.
As we walked in, I asked the woman behind the counter, “Do you have a menu?” She smiled and simply replied, “I do burger.” A bit puzzled, I asked, “What kind of burger? Cheeseburger? Something else?” She gave the same answer: “Burger.” Sam and I exchanged amused glances, and I said, “Alright then, I’ll have a burger.”
And let me tell you, it was an awesome burger. So good, in fact, that we ordered another one. As we polished off our second round, I realised something profound about that lady and her little burger joint. She had mastered her thing. She knew exactly what she was good at—making a killer burger—and she did it with pride.
What’s Your Thing?
This experience stuck with me because it’s a lesson for all of us. That woman didn’t try to do everything. She didn’t serve a million different items or spread herself thin. She focused on one thing she was great at and did it exceptionally well. And that’s something we can all learn from. Each of us has something we’re uniquely good at—a gift, a talent, or a passion. But sometimes, we get caught up in trying to do too much or be everything to everyone. Instead, what if we embraced our “one thing”?
For example, my wife used to work as a receptionist. She loved greeting people and making them feel welcome. It might sound simple, but she had a gift for it, and that made a big difference to the people she interacted with. Or think about a tradesperson who bucks the stereotype by showing up on time, being polite, cleaning up, and charging fairly. That’s a “thing” worth celebrating.
How to Find Your Thing
If you’re not sure what your “burger” is, here are some steps to get started:
- Reflect on what you enjoy and do well. What’s something you do that makes you feel alive and fulfilled?
- Ask others for their perspective. Talk to a friend, coach, or counselor. Sometimes they see things in us that we overlook.
- Tune in to your God-given gifts. Each of us has a purpose in this world, something God created us uniquely to do. Pray about it, listen, and lean into that calling.
Then, once you’ve identified it, go all in. Focus on it, develop it, and share it with the world.
A Final Thought Over Coffee
That morning in Siargao wasn’t just about burgers. It was about realising the value of doing one thing well and letting that “thing” shine. Over coffee, I often reflect on what makes us each special and how we can use that to serve others. So, what’s your ‘burger’? What’s the one thing you can bring to the world Whatever it is, don’t overcomplicate it. Find it, own it, and live it out wholeheartedly.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Photo by Sander Dalhuisen on Unsplash