Never Above Love

Someone recently sent me an inspiring story.

This past Spring, an Elementary School Principal in Southwest Houston stepped in to solve a problem in a way that many people would refuse to do.

First-year Principal Kimberly Kiser was left with a dilemma when three of the four school custodians called in sick on the same day.

In order to keep the school safe and clean for the 500+ students, she sprang into action in a most unusual way.

Kimberly took on the role of custodian and began to physically clean the school herself. She put on rubber gloves, grabbed a custodian cart, and got to work wiping down desks, cleaning bathrooms, and mopping floors—anything she could do to keep the school clean and healthy for the students that day.

This is how she described her decision, “We are a family. We believe there is no such thing as position or title. We believe in stepping in and helping when there is a need.” Indeed she does.

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I found her story to be inspiring for several reasons:

First, it is a story of humility.

It is often easy to achieve a certain level of success in this world and begin to look down on certain tasks and responsibilities—to think we are above them.

But Kimberly did not fall into that trap of arrogance or pride. Despite being the principal, she was still willing to complete any task needed to keep the school up and running.

Second, it is a story of service.

The school had a need and everyone—the kids, the teachers, the fellow custodians—needed it completed. No doubt Kimberly didn’t wake up that morning thinking she would be mopping floors; but when she saw a need, she stepped in to help and serve.

She didn’t just talk about serving others, she actually did it.

Third, and most inspiring, it is a story of love for others.

I’ve never met Kimberly Kiser and didn’t interview her before writing this article. But I can guess what motivated her to do what she did that day: She loves those kids, the teachers, and her school.

She knows the importance of a functioning school day not just for the kids, but for the parents and community. And she knows that a clean school is foundational for learning and health.

She loves the people around her and felt compelled to serve them in the way they needed to be served. And seeing love in action is always inspiring.

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It is easy, I suppose, to think the pursuit of our grandest goals is the greatest thing we can do with our lives. To pursue those dreams that will result in the greatest gain of worldly recognition.

But sometimes, dare I even say oftentimes, the greatest good we can bring into the world is to serve those who are closest to us with all our heart.

Thank you Kimberly for the example. And may we all live lives that inspire others to love and serve.