Once we had a receptionist doing a particularly good job, but I realized we had never encouraged and thanked her.

So I asked my assistant to bring her to my office. As she walked in, she was trembling.

“What have I done?” She asked.

In the presence of my assistant, I told her what a tremendous job she was doing and thanked her profusely for her professionalism. Terror turned to joy.

After, I wondered, how can something like that happen? I think I know the answer…

It can be easy to “overlook” people who are doing a really good job and/or really care deeply about us because they are so close, dependable, and part of the routine that they blend into the woodwork. I guess the phrase is, “low maintenance.”

Employees, vendors, customers.

Spouses, children, parents.

Volunteers, donors.

But these are the very people most worth treasuring. Because they are the ones most in our corner. Because they are the ones who are with us for the long haul.

I’m asking myself today: Is there anyone I’m taking for granted that I should instead be encouraging and giving honor?

And Lord, please forgive me for not giving respect and honor to whom it is due (Romans 13:7).

Until every church disciples every man…

Patrick Morley, PhD
Founder and Chairman, Man in the Mirror