A Person's A Person, No Matter How Small

Recently one of our daughters was working on a film production team, creating a series of commercials for some high-profile clients.  She worked hard, her days starting earlier and continuing well-past those higher up on the food chain.  In her role, she was seemingly invisible, working behind the scenes while others basked in the limelight, praise, and recognition.

It makes me think about a quote from the classic 1954 children's book Horton Hears A Who!  by Dr. Seuss:  "...even though you can’t see or hear them at all, a person’s a person, no matter how small." The overall success of  any project -- whether a huge event or a small production -- teeters on how well everyone does their work.

After one particularly grueling day, she commented to me how rarely she hears anyone say, "thank you" to her.  I thought that was a particularly noteworthy remark as it was the same day I was spending time with our two-year-old grandson.  I had just offered for him to play with a little stuffed dog.  "No, thank you," he remarked without prompting.  At what age or at what level of self-importance, do people feel exempt from saying a simple "thank you?"

You want to make someone's day?   Acknowledge someone's work, recognize another person's contribution to your well-being or the welfare of others, and let them know.  "Thank you for your hard work.  I appreciate it."

Gratitude reveals not just manners, but your worldview -- how you see yourself and how you see others. And perhaps whether you see them at all.


...outdo one another
        in showing honor.

                   Romans 12.10