Tuesday, July 29, 2008

"The Invisibles"


That's right, the "invisibles." Probably not the title of any movie you've seen lately!!

Our family took a vacation to New Mexico this last week to visit my uncle. While we were there we stayed at the Embassy Suites. It's wonderful because you get a full "real" breakfast everyday! A big plus for our family!!

As we were sitting at our table, I was watching the "bus boys" who would go around and clear the dishes from the table. One that we became especially fond of was "Josh." He was this tall young man with a cheerful grin and a happy countenance. He was so pleasant and always made sure that we were doing fine and had what we needed. I told him one day while we were there that I enjoyed how pleasant and kind he always was. He smiled and told me that "that is just the way I am!"

Who are the invisibles? The invisibles are the bus boys, the janitors, the sky caps - the people who serve us, but we tend to allow to go unnoticed.

Just like the body needs all of it's parts to function well, our society needs each member, invisible or "out in the spotlight" to do their part to keep society functioning well. Imagine a building with no janitor!!! But how often do we ignore or just not notice those individuals?

Several months ago I was standing in the airport waiting for Jeff to get our bags off of the conveyor. It was taking some time, and I was standing near a sky cap who was trying to help two women find their bags. The ladies were impatient and snippy, but this man kindly stood there to do what he could to be of assistance.

As we were waiting, I started a conversation with him. This man was from Africa and had come to America several years before. He talked about his family and the different places he had worked in America. He was truly fascinating.

Who of us truly wants to be invisible? By and large most people want to at least be acknowledged. The next time you are out and about, tell the person cleaning the glass on the store doors that they are doing a good job, smile at the lady cleaning the bathroom. You might just make somebody's day!!!

No comments: