“Secretly incredible people just do things.” (from Love Does by Bob Goff)
Last Sunday, as we were rehearsing music for worship team, my friend and I had a “moment.” Our worship pastor was working out some details with the musicians (which usually means I can zone out for a minute because I don’t understand musician talk) and we watched Joe, a wonderful retired gentleman, come in with flowers for the communion table. One flower was gigantic and gorgeous, so I asked him what is was (a dahlia) and if it came from his garden (yes). We proceeded to watch Joe work his magic as he took time to carefully straighten the cloth and plastic cover on the table, place the flowers thoughtfully, stand back to look at the arrangement and then make adjustments. My friend, Robin, and I were both fascinated watching him, and we talked about how sweet it was to see the love he put into the task. At one point I looked over, and Robin was tearing up. I didn’t ask her, but I think we were both surprised by the emotion that came over us as we watched Joe.
It was such a simple moment, but it was a “moment.” Joe didn’t know we were watching him. He didn’t place those flowers on the table so anyone would pat him on the back or recognize his work. Joe loves the Lord and he loves bringing joy and beauty to other people. One of his many ministries is adding beauty to the Sunday services by sharing his gift of beautiful flowers. I’m sure there have been many Sundays that Joe was arranging flowers as we were rehearsing, but I was too distracted to pay close attention. Those few moments we observed him ended up being such a gift and inspiration.
It made me wonder what else I miss . . . who else I miss.
The experience also reminded me of a story in the Bible where Jesus observed rich people throwing money in the collection box at the temple, but when a poor widow came by and threw in a couple of small coins, Jesus remarked that she had given more than all the others because she gave all she had. I like how “The Message” translation says it . . . “she gave her all.” (Luke 21:1-4)
The widow didn’t tell anyone she was giving extravagantly, but God knew. “Secretly incredible people keep what they do one of God’s best-kept secrets because the only one who needs to know, the God of the universe, already knows.” (Love Does, Bob Goff) In our self-absorbed culture that loves to rank and track everything, the idea of being secretly incredible is inconceivable. We’re bombarded with this idea that we need approval: How many friends/followers/likes/re-tweets/ do you have? What is your “Klout score?” How do you compare? How much do you make/spend/give/own? How many degrees do you have? Which designer are you wearing? How smart/athletic/artistic are your children? It’s exhausting. And it doesn’t matter. In the end, it only matters if our lives are pleasing to God. We should be asking things like, “How much do I love/accept/give/forgive/reach out/laugh?”
Do we give our all . . . when no one is watching except for God?
I don’t know about you, but I encounter these sorts of people all the time and take it for granted. Just this weekend, I was blessed by two unsuspecting people . . . a tractor driver at an apple orchard and an old man handing out towels on the beach for a swanky hotel (Keith’s company is nice enough to let me tag along once a year as they entertain their top agents and spouses). Both people did their jobs with joy, with pride, and they treated people with genuine interest and kindness. Their enthusiasm made an impression, and they are the strangers that put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.
The day we watched Joe with the flowers, it also occurred to me that we never really know who is watching. Regardless of how small or trivial our actions might seem in the grand scheme of life, they matter. And if you are living your life with passion and purpose and you pour love into everything you do, someone will be blessed. And someone (ahem . . . maybe a hyper and distracted person) might just take a moment to observe, and that person might be blessed and surprised and inspired. And they might be reminded that a life of wealth, status and accolades pales in comparison to a life that is “secretly incredible” in the eyes of God.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)
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“If you are faithful in the small things, you will be faithful in the big things.”
The Bible
So true. Thank you for this post. A great reminder to notice people around us and maybe say thank you.
Gina, I could write a book about all the “secretly incredible” things that you do! You are a one woman dynamo. Love you!
Continue to look forward to and relish your blog! It’s wonderful. (And I miss you–going to call to make a date.) HUGS!