“Thanks for making pancakes, Grandma.” Peyton poured syrup over the golden circles in front of her. “We usually have cereal on school days.”

“I know, but we had a special sleepover night, so I thought pancakes were in order, especially since you did such a good job getting up early. We still need to get back to your house to change into your school clothes.”

Peyton giggled. “You mean I shouldn’t go to school in your nightgown?”

Donna grinned. “You do make quite the picture in it, but you’d trip over it at recess.”

Peyton finished her pancakes, and Donna cleared the dishes. “Go brush your teeth with the toothbrush I gave you last night. You can leave it here for the next time you sleep over. Trust me – even if the gold teeth are sparkly, you’re much better off taking care of your own teeth.”

An hour later, after dropping Peyton off at home and making her way into the office, Donna marveled at the change in her attitude. That morning she’d stood in front of the mirror, admiring her gray hair rather than wishing to hide it. She still covered her wrinkles with concealer, but with Peyton around, she felt younger, more energetic. Maybe she could tackle the computer system after all.

She headed to her desk and pulled up her latest spreadsheet. There had to be a way to incorporate what she’d already done with the new system. The instructions simply weren’t specific enough. She bit back a sigh of frustration.

Rafael.

Why was Rafael coming to mind? She thought back to yesterday’s conversation. That was it. He could help her. Yesterday she was too embarrassed to admit her weakness, to admit she was too old to understand something new, but today, with her silver hair and her new perspective, Rafael’s opinion wasn’t as important as getting the help she needed. She made her way down the hall to his cubicle.

Rafael glanced up as she approached. “Well, good morning, Donna. To what do I owe this honor?”

Donna couldn’t help smiling. “I was hoping you’d be willing to help me incorporate my previous spreadsheets into the new system.”

Rafael’s eyes widened. “You’re asking me for help?”

Donna faltered. “It’s just that you seemed to think the system was a breeze, and I…”

Rafael held up a hand. “I’d be honored to help you.” He jumped up from his chair. “Let’s go to your computer.”

They walked back down the hall and Rafael guided Donna, step-by-step, through the process. Within 15 minutes, all her previous files were converted, and the new features were in place. Donna leaned back in her chair. “Wow. That was a lot simpler than I thought. They missed a few steps in the training slides, but the way you explained it made everything so much easier.”

“I’m so glad.”

Donna studied Rafael’s face. “Can I ask you a question?”

Rafael sat up. “Sure.”

“Do you think I’m too old to do this job?”

Rafael’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

“I’d like an honest answer. You don’t report to me, so you won’t get in trouble for telling me the truth.”

Rafael’s eyes sparkled. “Donna, I have no problem telling you the truth. Do you want to know why I was surprised when you asked me for help?”

“I assumed it was because you didn’t understand why I would need it, since the upgrade was so easy for you.”

Rafael shook his head. “That’s not exactly correct. Do you remember when I came to this company three years ago?”

“Sure. You were fresh out of college and knew nothing.”

“That’s right. And you know who taught me everything? You. From the moment I started here, you always made sure I had everything I needed. Tiffany too. And I saw you with the interns this summer, guiding and training them. How long have you worked here?”

Donna calculated. “Twenty-one years.”

Rafael slapped his thigh. “Exactly my point. You have so much experience, you know this place inside and out. Everyone knows if they need anything, they can come to you. You’ll give them the answer, and you’ll be kind and patient as you explain it. That’s the reputation you have around here. So when you asked me for help, I jumped at the chance to do something in return for the person who’s done so much for me and for this company.”

Rafael’s words swirled around Donna’s head. Was that really how people saw her? “I’m just doing my job.”

“It’s so much more than that, Donna. A person who’s just doing their job doesn’t bring homemade muffins on people’s birthdays, or comment on a person’s haircut or new shirt. I don’t mean to be disrespectful when I say this, but you’re kind of like the mom around here. And who doesn’t love their mom?”

Donna’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you.”

“No. Thank you.” Rafael squeezed her shoulder. “But I didn’t answer your question. I absolutely don’t think you’re too old to do this job. I think it probably took every one of those 21 years to get you to the place where you are now. But on top of that, you’re young at heart. Thanks for always being willing to help us. I think I speak for the whole office when I say we appreciate you.”

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

God, thank you for those around us who encourage us. Please help us be an encouragement to others. And sometimes, Lord, we need to encourage ourselves. Please help free us from self-doubt. You created us in Your image, with gifts and talents to further Your kingdom, at every stage of our lives. Thank You for choosing to use us to help further Your kingdom. Help us remember you put people into our lives for a reason. Sometimes we need to encourage them, and sometimes they need to encourage us, but what matters is the relationship and pointing people to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.