Matthew 7:12

In every community we recognize the people who carry the keys to important doors, who write the paychecks, and whose faces are known in public places. They are the leaders and visionaries, who we love, and with whom we fuss, and we also trust. However, we all know that the nation’s industries would quickly move from success to helpless without the everyday faithfulness of the men and women who labor without applause or notice.

These warriors of everyday life rise early, and some will work all night. They ride on the back of garbage trucks if the weather is zero or burning hot. They dig in the water-soaked earth with hands that turn to ice. Some sweat by the side of the road to make the traffic flow; and the list is long. The laborers are many, but the appreciators are few.

Will you grab a cup of coffee and maybe a biscuit or donut this morning? Do we notice when the lady at the drive-up window is smiling through tears as she tells us to, “Have a good day?” How do you go to work at five, get the kids to school by eight, and pay the bills with a check so small? What about the server in the restaurant who gets a deduction in the paycheck because someone walked out without paying the bill?

It is easy to not know, or forget, what life can be like for the very ones that we need each day. God bless all who labor and are heavy laden. How can we show appreciation to someone who labors in the unseen world of our life every day?

Do we have the kindness and patience of a Christian? Do we tip like a Christian? What about offering an encouraging word when the lines are long and most customers have a short fuse? Remember:The Golden Rule is still in effect.