Before many homes had steady water supply, people in one neighborhood often gathered at a public tap every morning. There were always long queues. Buckets everywhere. Children running around. People discussing everything from football to politics. Among them was an elderly woman who arrived earlier than everyone else. Oddly, she was never in a hurry to fill her containers. Instead, she spent most of her time helping others. If someone was carrying a heavy bucket, she assisted. If a child struggled to lift water, she helped. If two neighbors argued over who arrived first, she settled the disagreement. One morning, a young man asked her a question. "Mama, why do you spend so much time helping people? You'll end up waiting longer." She smiled and replied: "My son, water isn't the only thing people come here to collect." The young man looked confused. She continued. "Some come for encouragement. Some come for friendship. Some come because they need someone to notice them." Years later, that statement still resonates with me. Many places in life serve purposes beyond what they seem. A workplace isn't only for earning money. A community isn't only for living. A conversation isn't only for exchanging words. Sometimes people remember how you made them feel long after they forget what you said. The elderly woman understood that human connection is a form of service. And service doesn't always require money. Sometimes it simply requires attention. In a world where everyone seems busy, being present for others can be one of the most valuable gifts. Who is someone in your life who has a special ability to make people feel seen and appreciated?
