Today at work, we had our annual Associate Recognition where we honor those people who are celebrating significant work anniversaries of 5, 10 15, 20 and 25 years. At the offices in Chevy Chase, many people are surprised to realize that it is a full-service conference center catering to youth groups and open to all for meetings and special events. Because of this, the Center, it is open 24/7.

A portion of the workforce there is like me – someone who works on the office floors but we have a large number of employees who are invisible to most people – cooks, dishwashers, housekeepers, engineers, front desk clerks etc.

When your child comes to the 4-H Conference Center, it’s our housekeepers and cafe staff that offer that smile that takes the edge of their homesickness. It is the cook that prepares something kid-friendly, that eases a child’s worry of “What will they feed me?” It is our front desk staff that helps them find their rooms, lost items and gives them directions. They are collectively a kind and generous group of people. I’m privileged to work along side these people each day.

Most of these jobs aren’t the highest paying, and most of the employees who work them, work other jobs. It isn’t easy work and sometimes, I’m sure, it is hard to see how they play a role in the overall 4-H program, but they do. These are the people the kids remember. A kindness truly makes a lasting impression.

Today, from my IPod, I will pick “Try a Little Kindness” by Glen Campbell. I do try to remember it’s better to be kind, than right. But, I do enjoy being right. 🙂