When I was a child, most of the custodians at the old Rock School were older men who had wore themselves out working in the textile mills. They were friendly, helpful and we looked up to them.
I remember one giving me a compliment for something I said. That meant a lot to me. One came and talked to our seventh-grade class when we were studying the Great Depression. He had worked in the CC (Civilian Conservation) Camps and talked to us about life during the depression. We appreciated him much more after this.
I still laugh about the story that went around during eighth grade. There were a group of boys who always camped out in the restroom.
One day the custodian told them, “When I was your age I had better things to do than hang out in the restroom.” Like many occupations, the work of custodians are overlooked until you need one or come to realize all they do.
I read a story about a company that was hiring a new CEO to turn things around and build for the future. The board had narrowed it down to two promising candidates. They could not agree on the selection and were stuck. Both candidates were outstanding and the board was divided on who to nominate. They knew they had to make a decision but how?
Finally, after going over everything again, someone said, “Have we talked to the custodians where they work?” They agreed to interview the custodians of the buildings where the candidates worked and received permission. The first custodian reported he saw the CEO enter in the mornings, but had never spoken to him. The other custodian’s face lit up and told how the CEO greeted him when he saw him, asked about his family and if everything was going well.
How did the board select the new CEO? The decision was made on the recommendation of the second custodian. The board was not disappointed and the new CEO led with wisdom, courage and guided the organization into the future.
This challenging period of time, we are experiencing so many troubles. I know custodians are having to work extra-hard to keep everything cleaned and sanitized. They are on the front-lines and are putting themselves at risk. Often, their work is undervalued and their importance overlooked.
I recall a scene from the movie, Gandhi. He and the wife, Kasturba had an argument over cleaning the toilet. He was a highly-educated man, a national leader, they were part of the merchant caste and cleaning toilets were not for them. Yet, he insisted each one help the community by cleaning the toilets. He agreed to clean them and his wife agreed to help.
He said, “All work in this community is sacred, and none is more sacred than to devote ourselves to make the ashram (religious retreat) pure by cleaning the latrines. It is an act of worship.”
Christian singer Matt Redman, wrote a beautiful worship song, “Better than one day.” It is based on the first sentence of Psalm 84:10. “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.” His song does not mention the second part of the verse, “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
Doorkeeper is an archaic word for custodian. The second part of the verse may not be a hit worship song, but should be!
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church.