At lunchtime today, I hoped to do a quick errand at a local bank but the line was long and slow moving. I should have connected the dots-- lunch hour... bank ... errand ... Monday -- and anticipated a long wait. As I was reconsidering the errand, a bank employee noticed the delays, grabbed his clip board, and worked the line in a way I had to admire. He introduced himself to each person, checked to see if they had the right forms filled out correctly, switched flawlessly between English and Spanish as needed, thanked us by name for our patience, and pulled people out of line when he could complete the simpler transactions himself.
As I watched, I was reminded of a gentleman who works at the information desk of an area hospital. Arturo embodies hospitality - something so valuable in a setting where people are very often anxious, overwhelmed and disoriented. He greets me like an old friend, thanks me profusely for visiting "our" guests, and makes me feel like I am the most important person to visit the hospital's most important patient. Overhearing him answer the phone and respond to questions, I realize, of course, it's not actually all about me. He has a real gift for greeting each person with genuine warmth and delight.
I learn something from these folks about how together we can create and sustain a faith community that welcomes, that notices and responds to needs, that celebrates and utilizes the gifts of all.
Do you have any Arturos in your life?
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