Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get lost? I’m not talking about those who are what we affectionately call “directionally-challenged.” 🙂 They are those who couldn’t read a map or follow directions to save themselves.
I’m talking about those who are “small.” Not height-wise. They feel small. Unsure of themselves. Insecure to a point. They are those who feel that what they do doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. What they do often seems insignificant to the “bigger” people or things.
Years ago the late Francis Schaeffer wrote a book entitled No Little People, No Little Places. Not only is that a great book title, it is a great thought. The world is filled with people who feel “little.” Tragically, we have often been the ones who have made them feel that way.
Allow me two examples-one social and one Biblical.
* I recently read that when the funeral procession for the late Queen Elizabeth took place, thousands of soldiers were deployed to escort the casket. Insignificant? To the outsider. But not according to one soldier who said, “It was an opportunity to do our last duty for Her Majesty.” One of thousands but what an outlook!
* In the Old Testament, the Levites were commissioned by God to set up and tear down the Tabernacle. Along with that to carry the furniture. What a seeming meaningless job. Set up. Tear down. Carry. Set up. Tear down. Carry. You get the point. Sounds like boredom to me. Sounds insignificant. We know the names of Moses, Joshua, Aaron, and others. Can you name one of the Levites?
Nothing we do-in service to God-is small. Nothing is insignificant. I may be the pastor of the church but in the eyes of God it is no more important than the teacher of children; the nursery worker who takes wonderful care of a child so the parents can worship; the one who does the Power Point; the one who runs the live stream; the one who controls the sound; the one who cleans up after the worship gathering is done; the janitor who cleans for Sunday; or myriads of others.
Why? Because there are no little people. In church. In life. That is one of the reasons I tell our waitress “Thanks for waiting on us today” (and leave a generous tip if they have done a good job). That is why I try to thank the hotel clean up crew, or the one who works in a gas station, or makes sure things are clean in a bathroom. Why? I repeat: because there are no little people.
Do you take the time to recognize and thank those who have seemingly insignificant jobs?
You are so right, Bill – there are no little people. Every single person is beloved by God, and we should treat them with that same love and respect.
Blessings, my friend!
Every single individual is absolutely correct Martha!
Great point Bill. It’s amazing how how wonderfully God weaves all of us together. If we would pay attention to the details, we would see, how much we need each other, and how we depend on each other. We are all a member of something greater than ourselves, we belong to the Kingdom. Even the ones that are not saved, are still interacting with Kingdom people, that’s how the saved can spread God’s word. When I go anyplace, I always make a point to say to whoever I’m interacting with, how you are doing, and say thank-you. and wish them well, say something that hopefully lets them know, I saw them, and I appreciate them.
it is amazing Gail and i like that you take the time to lift someone else up by encouraging them.
Yes, I, too often compliment and thank those who serve. I know how it feels to be the one who cleans the toilets and floors and who does those menial, often unappreciated jobs. My Daddy was one of the hardest workers I ever knew, and no job was too lowly for him. Oftentimes, I see someone who reminds me of him, and it stirs such pity in my heart. I try to show my appreciation. We love leaving big tips for those who deserve it, too. Nothing is more gratifying than being kind and lifting the spirit of another.
May your tribe increase in all ways Cheryl.