Unexpected Gratitude

Daily Gratitude Year 8- Day 16: Today, I am grateful for unexpected gratitude. 

Who are the people in your world who go unrecognized? 

The ones who do the humble, servant roles... quiet or behind the scenes. These souls are often the backbone of organizations and businesses. They may or may not be in the boardrooms. They are always behind the scenes making good things happen. 

Do we ever stop to thank the postman or UPS man? What about the custodians in our workplaces? 

The people who do the thankless jobs often are people who choose to find satisfaction in knowing what they do makes a difference... even if they are seldom recognized. 

I work in an old building. I remember the day a local marketing rep stopped in the office. They talked about their services and when a school might need them. Then they left. A few minutes later, they returned to the office. I thought they had forgotten something. She said something I will never forget. She said, "I know this is an old building, but it is so beautifully cared for. Please compliment your custodial staff on a job well done." 

Some people do a job to make a living. Others make a living at making a difference. 

I will never forget the years Walker was a sidekick for Jill and I, after we had the other three in school full time. We would drag him to Peoria for our errands with the promise that he could choose the lunch spot. Walker was a smart boy (he still is)... he always chose Panera. Talk about a "win-win". 

From the time Walker was two and a half or three years old, he would order for himself.  "Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bread bowl, please." There was a worker, named Jackie, who would always take our order. We would wait a little longer in her line, just to have her serve us. She and Walker became buddies. She would say, "Hello, Walker." The order was always under Walker's name. It took no extra time to show him special attention, but it made all the difference in how we felt about our experience in her restaurant. We were grateful for her. She was sad when he had to start Kindergarten. 

I wish I had told her how much we looked forward to seeing her at the register.This scripture reminds me to tell people that we are grateful for their presence in our lives.

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers." - 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Today, I am grateful for unexpected gratitude.