BY DAWN REED
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, I could hear him coming. The whirl of his brushes and the low hum of his engine quietly announced his arrival. It was the street sweeper.
No one cheered as he worked. There was no parade, no banners of appreciation. Most did not realize he had even passed by.
There was evidence of his work, if anyone cared to look. Most rushed into their day missing all he had done. Day in and day out he faithfully toils with little to no recognition.
Is he ever disappointed that there is no glory in his job? That no one celebrates his commitment?
These days, we may yearn for likes, shares, and comments that can leave us feeling loved, seen and heard. The truth is, we do not have to be topliners to make a difference. We do not have to have the followers, the sash or title.
Acts 7:23-25 tell of a crucial time in the Apostle Paul’s life. After a radical come-to-Jesus meeting on the road to Damascus, he began to preach that Jesus was indeed the son of God.
The Jews conspired to kill him. But he learned of their plans. His followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
The rope holders are not named. Yet they had an important job. They helped this soon-to-be Christian rockstar-evangelist escape certain death. We can learn from them that God has vital work for us to do even when we do not get top billing.
Are we satisfied to serve in unseen, yet important ways, in the background, without the recognition, without the award? The challenge is to press on, doing the thing, the task assigned and let God get the glory – not us.
In high school, I was in the drama club. (OK, I admit I am a little dramatic.) When there were auditions for plays, I always tried out for the leading role. Always. Every time.
I never got it. Not once. To be honest, I was not leading-role material. One time I got the part of dressing as a mouse, climbing on my crush’s shoulders, and chicken fighting another couple in “The Masque of the Red Death.” It was more difficult than you might expect. I could not wear my pop bottle glasses because it messed up my makeup. They led me around by the hand.
In another play, I was Jacqueline Hyde. For that role, I donned a fur mask and mitts, climbed over a couch, and chased people all over the stage. That was more fitting for me.
God has a plan for each of us. Sometimes we will be in the spotlight, the topliner. Other times we will serve in the background by keeping the nursery at church, teaching in Sunday School, driving the church bus, helping with food ministry, leading kids at VBS, etc. There are countless ways to be used by the Lord and for HIS glory. Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Glorify Him, not us.
The street sweeper stirs me to look for others who are behind the scenes doing good things. Are there people in our path today we can encourage or thank for their work? A cashier? A server? A road worker? Someone at church? We will find someone if we look.