I can’t leave the subject of work without a shout-out to my new hero Roberto, a server at the Colorado Springs DoubleTree Hotel. The Navigators just had a conference there, August 27 – 30. I first saw Roberto serving our dinner Saturday night. I didn’t think much of it until we showed up for breakfast the next morning, and there he was again…and at lunch…and at dessert at 8:30 p.m. following the Sunday night meeting (Sunday dinner was on our own.).

EVERY meal from Saturday night through Tuesday night, Roberto was there. Cheerfully bringing our plates, fetching tea if someone wanted it, clearing plates, making conversation. Engaged.

Everyone noticed him. “Have you seen Roberto?” “One of you men should be sure he hears the gospel while we’re here.” (Not because he was a “bad” guy but because everyone loved him.) I gave him one of my piano CDs Sunday night, and he pulled a little booklet about Jesus from his pocket – one in English, one in Spanish – “Look what one of your friends gave me!”

Tuesday night as I was playing the piano prelude before the last meeting, Roberto stopped by briefly to acknowledge he was listening to me play…as he bustled about serving.

I forgot to mention one thing: Roberto is…wait for it…78 years old! 78! And still joyfully serving.

Conferences and hotels have a lot of moving parts. Roberto helped make our conference more enjoyable, memorable, and inspirational.

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. (Proverbs 22.29, NASB)