(TA from Chiba Prefecture/60’s/Male/A cook)
Thirty years have passed since I became a cook. I finally spend every day as I feel the joy to be of use to people.
No One Gave Me Recognition… A Lot of Discontent Grew
I was never free from discontent such as human relationship or work environment at the workplace. I was restructured out of my job in my fifties and started to work at a restaurant. However, the frequency of getting out of condition was increased and I repeated to have multiple operations. I felt my physical limitations and retired at sixty after talking it over with my wife.
Aware of Myself Full of Greed
After retirement, I went to Kami no Yakata and attended the class. Then, I was greatly moved by the teachings one by one.
The first thing I noticed was my greed of wanting to be recognized. I often thought that ” No one recognizes me although I work so hard.” I always assert myself and did not deepen ties with people at the workplace. I also did not hear my wife at home. Basically, my way of living was not one that was recognized by my surroundings.
Work is not only about the actual skills or the content, but it is to engage in what I can do with a kokoro to be of use to people. I lack the kokoro of consideration for others. As I deepen the awareness from the Kami‘s teachings, I began to feel that I want to use my strength again. And I started to looking for a job.
Every Day Experiencing the True Meaning and Purpose
One day, I found an ad in the newspaper and applied for the job interview. Then I was employed as a cook for senior citizens smoothly.
Although my work is cooking and it is same as before, my feeling is totally different. I think of each person and prepare meals as I feel excited that ” Will they be pleased if I cook like this?” or “How should I cook for them so they can eat well?” Their smile is a motive power for me, and many ideas are coming up. Engaging in cooking every day as I am one with unmei with co-workers are enjoyable for me.
When I go home, I feel relieved with family’s smiles and enjoy the conversation. My life after sixty years old has completely changed. This was an unexpected change never imagined before. Experiencing such strong purpose and meaning, I feel full of gratitude that “I was glad to learn Kami‘s teachings. I really appreciate Kami !”