For a few years now, the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have had the honor of hosting the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition Annual Dinner. This year, the Sisters served a three-course meal with three main entree options that ended with a delicious plate of tiramisu.

I enjoyed serving my table of six and I took my job seriously. Attending my guests led me to remember the characteristics I appreciate in a good server. He or she needs to be watchful without hovering, thoughtful and anticipatory, engaging, but demure. Serving tables isn’t an easy job, but if done well, it can be a rewarding experience for everyone.

I liked the precession required to successfully move a clean plate from kitchen shelf to table and back again. Everyone had his or her assigned job, and as long as each of us stuck to it, things flowed smoothly. But it was easy to see why the phrase, “too many cooks in the kitchen” so aptly communicates the need for people to carry out their assigned duties and embrace an attitude of behind-the-scenes service, if that is their role.

Since Sisters are so often the center of attention with our makeup and costumes, humble service doesn’t necessarily come easily. The TTPC Dinner is a good event for us, a reminder that part of what we do for the community involves simple service. Being a server for a night has challenged me to look for other ways I might humbly serve others.