How Hard is it to Help?

You know, sometimes we take things for granted. Especially if we are "up front" people. If we are used to being in front of people, speaking, singing, or doing whatever it is that we do, we may forget that we cannot do what we do without others "behind the scenes" doing what they do.

Why is this on my mind? Because this week I switched roles. We had 2 visiting teachers come to Belize to train the pastors here. The first taught a class on worship, something I could not have done - and he did great. The second taught from many years of experience in 6 different come back churches - and he did great. I could not have done that either. And, on top of bringing their experience and expertise and willingness, they taught very intensive courses. Each finished an entire course in 2 very long days!

They were tired.
The pastor/students were tired.
And in the background, running around working on details, I was tired. I did not do intensely difficult work. I made sure things were ready on time. I helped with techie stuff, made copies, stapled, graded papers, developed spread sheets and took care of little items like missing pens and the rollbook.

Then why oh why, I am SO tired after only 4 days of that?!

I think 2 reasons stand out.

1) This is not what I normally do, so it was, in some ways, more stressful to me.
2) This also pointed out quite clearly to me that there is A LOT of work that goes on behind the scenes...!

On day one, I started early and finished late.
On day two, I started early and finished late.
On day three, I ....well, I think you get the idea.
By day four, I had trouble starting, but still had to be going very early.

This week has reminded me that all of us who do our "up front" thing
owe a huge debt to those who do the behind the scenes thing!

It is their gift of service that makes things work for us - and for all who benefit from their efforts.

The up front person is blessed, the hearers or audience or congregation is blessed. And I believe that when things go well, the behind the scenes person is blessed too because their special gift puts joy in their own hearts when they see everyone else accomplishing what they need to do or enjoying themselves.

So....let me say a very heartfelt "Thank you!" to all those who help make everyone else look good by their behind the scenes service.

And, if you all don't mind, let me be sure to express this, with you all as witnesses to my wife, Becki, my own behind the scenes worker. Honey I could not do a great deal of what I do without you doing all that you do.
"Thank you!" ( and I love you!)

Grateful

Ray