There was neither a smile nor a scowl on his face as he went about his work. I watched as he performed his duties in a very busy place. His job required great patience because everything he did was quickly undone by all those scurrying about him. And even though his job was to serve them, none of those busy people even gave him notice much less sought to know his name or offer a simple thank you.

Airports are busy places and it takes a lot of people to keep things moving there. Restrooms are places that are most taken for granted. They serve almost everyone that comes through the airport and they are expected to be functional, fully equipped and sanitary. And someone has to do the job. I think it takes a very special person to do that kind of work. It takes someone dedicated to the duty and who is willing to see a job well-done go unnoticed. And it particularly takes a special person to accept that all they have completed will be undone so quickly. Such was the case with the unnamed servant that I observed. And he was not the only one I saw with a common job.

There were food service workers in the kitchen and behind the counter greeting customers with a smile, the security staff assuring everyone’s safety, and the airport attendants transporting the handicapped. These are all common people whose jobs go unnoticed if not unappreciated, but who serve the needs of you and me as we travel through airports and other busy places that our lives take us. I could only wonder what our lives would be like without these servants to take care of the needs we expect but seldom acknowledge.

It is unlikely that any of them will find themselves being honored as a hero, or gaining attention for serving some noble cause, but without them what would life be like? God knew what He was doing when he gifted people in such different ways. And He knew what He was doing when He chose to make some of us to serve common earthly needs and only a few for noble causes. All of us are servants to one another.

And all are essential to our Father’s world.