As a staff member in our local church, I get the opportunity to see many things that the rest of the body does not. Part of that comes from knowing many of the families on campus relationally, part of that comes with the “behind the scenes” planning in events, but part of that is because I arrive on Sundays in the wee hours of the morning. There are a few of us staff members who arrive hours before the congregation to tediously set things up for their arrival. I admit, there is something special about praying over the space before the halls are filled with brothers and sisters, squealing kids, and laughter.
This morning, there was an older gentleman who was looking for plastic spoons. A seemingly odd request, but there are many odd requests in ministry. I helped him look and much to both of our dismay, he had to settle for some straws. As he was shuffling away, I thought to myself, “there is one other place I can look.” I found a handful of plastic spoons and brought them to him. He was overjoyed and said “God bless you.” As I was walking out of the room, I glanced over to my left and noticed he had the coffee maker going, sugar set out, and cream ready to be poured into the cups of the seasoned saints that would soon fill that space. This man arrives hours before others and does a job that many likely don’t even notice or know about. But the coffee he faithfully prepares every Sunday morning prepares their palette to hear the Word of God.
In times when we will unseen, God sees. God sees every load of laundry that is folded for your family. God sees every garden that is tended and cared for. God sees every meal that is cooked for the nourishment of the people in your household. God sees every toy picked up. God sees every time a dish is washed, dried, and put away. God cares about the small things we do everyday to serve others that go unnoticed.
So, this morning, I was greatly encouraged by the coffee-making saint. He spurred me on to serve in ways that may not always be seen by onlookers, but are seen by an infinite God.

“Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility must come before honor.” Proverbs 18:12