Who Sees Me?

Recently I was out shopping at a mall. As most women do at some point during a shopping trip, I stopped by the restroom, but in this restroom I noticed something different. There was a lady inside cleaning it. I know that is not unusual, but in this case it was. She had her cart of supplies parked in the restroom and was constantly keeping each stall stocked with toilet paper, and neat and tidy. As I went to wash my hands she was at the sink drying up water spots. Just imagine, this lady spends her day sweeping, mopping, refilling soap or toilet paper, and picking up other people’s messes, so that when you or I walk in that bathroom it is clean, sanitary and meets my standards for a decent bathroom. How would you feel if that restroom was neglected all day?

That same day I saw another worker doing his job in a similar way with similar dedication. I was attending a Southern Gospel concert. The group I saw is very popular and extremely talented. They get a lot of attention and publicity. Though the group is a trio, there are 4 people that travel together. Who is the fourth person? Well, let me tell you. He is the sound technician, Robert. That man gets little or no recognition but without him the group would not sound nearly as amazing as they do. That night, due to some unusual circumstances, Robert and a few men from the church where the concert was being held, set up the sound equipment by themselves. There was no time for the trio to do a sound check, but Robert knows them so well, he didn’t have to.

There is another thing I find amazing about this sound technician. He is ready for anything the group throws at him, a change in song order, adding or deleting a song or anything else that might be different from the ordinary. Robert is always ready. I spoke to him after the concert. He is a quiet, hardworking and humble man. He accepted my compliments and appreciation for his work with some hesitation. It was obvious he doesn’t spend a tremendous amount of time with the fans. At least with the ones that know who he is.

Matthew 6:1-4  Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Am I willing to serve God and others without public acknowledgement and recognition, like these two people? I’m not so sure I am. That makes me very ashamed. God expects me to be willing to do his work whether any one is watching or not. Am I?

Living in Grace,

Angie