Today we are challenged to notice the ‘invisible’ people around us, the people that are a part of our landscape so we tend not to see them, sometimes we actually look down on them, and then greet them and say thank you or even bless them with a gift.
Your administrative assistant might be one such person. It is always such a treat when someone thanks me for what I do!
Another such person may be the custodian or cleaning lady. Tracy, who for over 30 has kept First Mennonite sparkling clean, has experienced invisibility from congregants so many times. She has told me of the hurt she feels when she greets someone and they walk past without reply. And worse yet, when she gives suggestions regarding the maintenance and upkeep of the building that is ignored. She knows the building in an intimate way none of the rest of us do! The property maintenance committee would do best to consult Tracy when needing to make a decision. My friendship with her has made me conscious of acknowledging and thanking the custodian of my building for the hard work he puts in, especially given all the salt that’s dragged in all winter.
Bus drivers, sales clerks, letter carriers — there are many people whose paths we cross every day who deserve to be seen.