It had to weigh at least 60 pounds.  Just seconds after it hit the ground, a drably dressed pooper-scooper had the honor of shoveling up that steaming pile of elephant dung and removing it from between the circus tents where people were milling around.

It was a hot summer day and I had taken my young children to the outdoor traveling circus show that had set up their tents close to our home.  We had gone to see the sequined trapeze artists; the menagerie of exotic animals; and the overall hustle and bustle of all things Barnum & Bailey.

Yet, here I was, lost in thought as I watched this worker – invisible to most folks that day – as he went about his menial (and smelly) task.  Before I knew it, I found myself walking towards him to tell him, “Thank you…thank you for what you do here.  Without you, the circus couldn’t go on as smoothly and cleanly as it does!  Your job is so vital to its success! What a blessing you are!”

The man’s eyes welled up with tears as he smiled back at me in that moment and my children had a first-hand show and tell example of honoring those who seem invisible.

We all have a need to be seen, valued, and appreciated.  It’s how we’re made.  Even those individuals who aren’t necessarily “lime-light” kind of folks crave recognition – just on a more discreet level, perhaps.

Who is in your life that you’re thankful for and appreciate?  Who makes your job at home or at the office “less smelly”?  Who do you know that seems “invisible” and could use a kind statement of gratitude today?

As American professor Randy Pausch so aptly put it, “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”

And may I just say, I appreciate YOU taking the time to read this today! 

Until next time, Grace and Glory!