“But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents” (Mark 12:42, NIV).

I was rushing into the elevator to get home, then I had to back away to let someone off. I greeted her politely, but she barely acknowledged it. She was short, older, head down, walking slowly with a limp, dressed in a uniform that suggested she helped clean rooms for our patients. As the elevator door slid shut, I was overwhelmed with the understanding that the woman I had passed was extremely valued and loved by God.

Sometimes I am superficial in comprehending the significance of others—especially if they don’t contribute to my own mission in life. This woman may be an amazing pastor for all I know, but she seemed tired of life and unimportant as she passed me in the elevator doors. My perception of her was so unlike God’s perception that I was ashamed. Thinking back on that encounter brought to mind one of my favorite poems by William Wordsworth. (Please forgive me if you dislike poetry.)

She dwelt among the untrodden ways

Beside the springs of Dove,

A Maid whom there were none to praise

And very few to love:

A violet by a mossy stone

Half hidden from the eye!

—Fair as a star, when only one

Is shining in the sky.

She lived unknown, and few could know

When Lucy ceased to be.

But she is in her grave, and, oh,

The difference to me!

Also came to mind the words of C.S. Lewis: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”

I need to become more like Jesus. When I walk past someone in the hospital or one on the street who is unlikely to offer value to me through notoriety or contribution, I need to remember their value to God is no less than my own. They may never make a difference in my life, “but, oh, the difference to Him.”  The next time I encounter such a one, whose role in life I may never comprehend, I pray I will touch them in a way that helps them know someone understands their incredible value.

Dear Father,

Let me never diminish the love and value you have placed in others.

Amen