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.
What a great story. And the lessons from the story are best.
This is exactly how our school is run. This is how our principals work. We are family.
What a great story! Reminds me of a college president who went into the dumpster to clean it. Heroes are alive and well today. As a retired educator I appreciate what that principal did for everyone affected by her service.
I love this story so much. Humility, service, love. Thanks for sharing.
Love and serve. Our spiritual teacher and humanitarian, Amma, teaches us to always, Love and Serve others.
Thank you for sharing the story about the school principal. We need to hear this kind of news, more often!!!!
Inspiring Story.
As an educator myself we see this every day. Our leadership team is amazing and is willing to do whatever it takes, our teachers have become custodians this year, every day as we now are so short staffed. I am so thankful to call myself an educator as each day we witness acts of love and acts of service. Love this story and Love what we do each day to serve kids!
Alana Stanton
1st Grade Teacher
Oconee County
Beautiful in its simplicity. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Josh,
Your story about Kimberly Kiser, the school principal, was definitely inspiring. Her good head and never give up attitude need to be rewarded. While I can’t do that directly, I hope she hears a lot of good comments and is able to feel proud of how valuable she really is! I know she personally inspired me to not be so passive. I hope I can matter of factly “do the right and helpful thing” just like she did! Thank you for the story.
A beautiful commentary. Thank you Joshua. Seeing beyond ourselves changes our world.
A beautiful example of love in action. Thank you for sharing Kimberley’s story. Reading it made my heart smile!
Thank you!!! These acts of kindness and strength power the world and typically go unrecognized. I appreciate you going against the tide to honor her and others like her. ❤️