My husband and I are firefighters for our rural volunteer fire department. Last night I attended the annual firefighter refresher meeting in town. There were speakers, videos, snacks, drinks, and a delicious meal served. But I couldn’t help but think about the people behind the scenes who make this kind of thing happen. They often get very little, if any, acknowledgment. In this case, someone had to schedule the event, book the venue, schedule speakers, send out invitations to all the firefighters, send out reminders to all the firefighters, schedule a caterer, go grocery shopping for snacks and drinks, deliver snacks and drinks to the venue, and set up tables and chairs. Because it’s a small community, I knew who this person was and noticed that she wasn’t in attendance and her name wasn’t ever mentioned. I’m sure she prefers it that way, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t take time to appreciate her.
I always consider this at our local county fair. There is a lot of work that goes into putting on an event. The complaints are heard loud and clear, but the appraises aren’t always voiced. And often the ones who are doing to most work to make it all happen are the ones behind the scenes, who aren’t even noticed. Without them, the show would not go on. And not everyone is willing to volunteer, or put on events, or give up their time for others. So don’t let the people who are, go unnoticed.
I think this also happens at brandings. Don’t get me wrong, the rancher and his crew are very much appreciated, but let’s take a little time to acknowledge the person/s who buys all the groceries, prepares the meal, prepares and delivers snacks, buys the drinks, packs the coolers, buys the drinks, cleans the house for company, plans meals for everyone, etc. Maybe this is several people, but none the less, it doesn’t always get noticed.
When I was in college getting my teaching degree, a professor told us that you should treat the custodian in your school the same way you treat your superintendent. That has always really stuck with me. Those people who are behind the scenes are so important and so appreciated. What they do is valuable.
So I am going to ask you to be a role model, and take the time to thank the guy setting up chairs, the lady cleaning the bathrooms, the ranch wife pouring coffee, the church crew serving lunch, the ticket takers at the entrance, and all the other people working behind the scenes for the betterment of those around them.
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