In July of 2021, The New York Times ran a special 55-page section about the 2.5 million essential service workers who kept New York City alive while many New Yorkers worked remotely.

One of the heroes of the story was Gustavo Ajeche, a 2004 immigrant from Guatemala.

By day Gustavo works construction. At night he delivers food for restaurants in the Financial District. His wife works as a nanny for a family in Manhattan. This job became a live-in position when her employer had her accompany them to their second home in North Carolina from March through September last year. Gustavo and his wife do not have a second house, but they do have a second extended family to support back home in Guatemala.

Their jobs often get little or no recognition or praise.

But at the end of the article Gustavo said, “The pandemic was hard, but it taught me I can help. I would come home exhausted, but hearing ‘gracias” or ‘God bless you,’ that was beautiful. I’ll never forget my roots in Guatemala. I struggled for my community. But I feel like a real New Yorker now.”

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."  Mathew 25:21

I recognize that the above verse is speaking about the parable of the talents, but I have always enjoyed the idea that God's word often tells of words that are spoken (even in parables), that bring a sense of accomplishment to those that hear it. It's a wonderful thing to be recognized for faithfulness, and a job well done. 

During this pandemic that we have all been going through, we have seen so many people who have stepped up (above and beyond the call of duty), to accomplish very positive things.

Yes, we've seen negative challenges as well, but when we focus on people's kindness and their willingness to do a good job (and we give them sincere appreciation), it adds value to everyone's lives. 

What can you do today, to let someone know that you appreciate their efforts?

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word 

 

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