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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  John 13:34 (ESV)

Easy to forget we all need “a good word.” Like the maid who cleans up our room at a hotel who’s picking up all the stuff that missed the trash can. Like the cashier who’s exhausted from standing on her feet and still smiles. Like the waitress whose children miss her because she’s working two jobs to pay the rent. Like the janitor at our kid’s school who picks up discarded books yet can’t read.

Do we ever really know the story behind the lives of those who serve us? Sadly, we often just think it’s their job to do what they do. Wonder what would happen if instead of ignoring their presence or rarely acknowledging they exist, we genuinely said, “Thank you.”

Sweet lady was cleaning the locker room the other day. While I was working out, she was scrubbing floors, washing toilets, cleaning mirrors – I think you get the picture. From a distance, she simply appeared to blend right in the room. Everyone busy to get their workout down, showered and back to work. Walking right in front of her at times, walking past her as if she didn’t exist. Been guilty of that myself – too absorbed in my world to notice her.

She was just doing her job. Showing up for her 9 to 5 every day. Cleaning up after others’ mess. Wiping everything down – doing exactly what she’d done a million times. Nothing extraordinary about this morning or at least that’s what she thought. But then when she least expected it, someone said, “Thank you – you’re doing a great job – thanks so much!” And in that moment a smile graced her weary face as though she’d never heard those words. Sweetest picture ever to witness the unnoticed relishing in a moment of joy.

Jesus didn’t have that hurried step we call busy and distracted. He wasn’t consumed with self or an agenda jam packed into three years of ministry. Jesus took the time to heal the sick, embrace the broken and wash the feet of those who’d later turn their backs and run. Humility defined Jesus’ every step – the Son of God walking among us, serving the very ones He came to save. Shouldn’t we be doing the same?

“Father, You sent Your Son to this world and He left us echoing the words, “Love one another.” Help us to show Your love to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life