This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
This is a cute little saying I have read and referred to over the years. I’ve thought about it A LOT at work when looking around at the tasks at hand and thinking: “Whose job is this?” Or “Who’s supposed to do this??”
My more mature self has gotten into the habit of being a cheerleader for my aggravated/aggrieved self by saying, “YOU are SOMEBODY! Take the lead on this. Set the example. Set the tone.”
Being willing to be Somebody has allowed me to be a part of some wonderful experiences through the years.
Being Somebody has also resulted in doing some of the less glamorous tasks that need to be done in life. Picking up trash. Taking on that assignment that everybody else seems to hate to do. Cleaning the restrooms—I’ve gotten that one a lot!😆
But taking on that challenge which other people took a pass on has also quite often put me in a position to see the power of God revealed and the decency and kindness of people put on full display. I’ve witnessed homeless people given shelter. I’ve seen hungry children provided with nutritious food. I’ve seen families walk out of gymnasiums loaded down with food for the holidays that they otherwise would not have had.
Being a Somebody has allowed me to meet some of the greatest Somebodies who are out there behind the scenes quietly serving, being compassionate, serving as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
The next time you think to yourself, “Somebody should do this,” turn that around and ask yourself “Am I Somebody?” Am I the one who is needed to get this project started? Or finished? Am I the Somebody who should go speak an encouraging word to the sad or lonely person? Am I the Somebody who should start the communication in a relationship that has fallen on hard times?
I know I am Somebody! Are you?
Photo by Mackenzie Prange
Thoughts From the Garden 