Today’s Word from Pastor Jim
I was at Harborview making a visit two weeks ago. I had the uniform on: black suit, black shoes, a black shirt with a clerical collar, and a bedside Bible in my hand. Ready to enter a struggle of life and death.
It is a long trip to Harborview, given the realities of Seattle traffic. I arrived and parked, moved through the security screening area and headed for the bathroom. Upon entering, I was engaged in conversation by the man who was cleaning the toilet.
Cleaning supplies in hand, he greeted me, “Good afternoon, Father.” I replied in kind, “Good afternoon to you. How is your day going?”
“Fine, Father. In two weeks, I will have been here for 12 years.”
I said, “Congratulations, and thank you for your service.”
Even as I said it, I imagined 12 years of cleaning bathrooms. Forty hours a week for 12 years. Forty hours a week inside without windows. Forty mostly thankless hours, doing work that is only noticed when it is not done correctly. Twelve years at Harborview, the county trauma center, a hospital that serves prostitutes and addicts, treating lots of gunshot and stab wounds.
“You know what Father?”
“No, please tell me.”
“Well Father, I have two more years to go and then I can retire.”
“Two more years. The hospital will miss you. Your work makes a difference to us.”
It was time for me to move on to my visit. “Have a good day.”
“Thank you, Father. May God bless you this day.”
As I walked now toward the elevator, I felt like God had broken into my rather ordinary day. This man in the bathroom, an angel of some sort, had been a profound blessing to me. Exiting the elevator on the 8th floor, a tear ran down my cheek. I realized that I didn’t even ask him his name. He was a nameless servant of God, laboring on my behalf.
I was reminded that day of all the people who serve me without fanfare. They never hear the words, “good sermon, pastor.” No one sends them cards or brings them homemade cookies. They clean bathrooms, they work at the bank or the grocery store, they build the planes that fly me safely to far off places.
“Thank you, Father. May God bless you.”
No, I should be thanking you, for you have blessed me.
See you in church!
Love, Pastor Jim
Summer Worship Schedule Reminder
Remember — Our Summer Worship Schedule begins this Sunday, June 1st, with worship services at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
