When you thought I didn’t see you…

When you thought I didn’t see you, I saw you come in early to prepare for Sunday school and I felt cared for.

When you thought I didn’t see you, you hung my picture on the wall, and I felt important.

When you thought I didn’t see you, you quietly cleaned up another mess that I left behind. I learned peace and forgiveness.

When you thought I didn’t see you, you helped an elderly man into Mary Jane and got his food for him so he wouldnt have to stand. I learned what it meant to love your neighbor.

When you thought I didn’t see you, I saw you give up your weekend to help behind the scenes at a retreat, and I learned commitment and sacrifice.

When you thought I didn’t see you, I saw you pratice for hours at the piano or in the choir, and I learned about giving your best to the Lord.

When you thought I didn’t see you, I saw you take a name off the Christmas tree, and I learned generiousity.

When you thought I didn’t see you, you welcomed a stranger into the sanctuary, and I learned kindness.

When you thought I didn’t see you, you worked for hours in a quiet church office, and I learned humility in service.

When you thought I didn’t see you, I saw you approach someone else in pain, wipe away a tear, and spend time with them. I learned caring, empathy, and softness.

When you thought I didn’t see you, I saw you in tears at the altar, and I learned that it’s alright for a man to cry but in times of trouble you have to take it to the Lord.

When you thought no one listened, you taught the story of the crucifixion in a way I’ve never forgetten.

When you thought I couldn’t care less, you taught me to resilence, patience, and love.

When you thought I wasn’t paying attention, you taught me more than words can describe.

I wrote this as an open letter to my church. I owe them so much but chose to pass it along as I feel that everyone in ministry needs to hear how the little things that are done daily are so important.

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