Harry Gunther has what you might call a “dirty job.” At least that’s what a sixth grader waiting in the car recently thought about the elementary school custodian.
He shared their exchange on Facebook:
“Little Girl: ‘Do you like being a custodian?’
Me: ‘Yes, I love it!’
Little Girl: ‘But, you have to clean up puke, that’s so gross. How can you do that?’”
Harry writes that her comment made him reflect on his job, and what it is that has brought him the most joy—and it sure isn’t the puke.
“True, that isn’t the most glamorous part of my job, but I do love it. We’re there to do so much more than clean! Building relationships and providing the kids with a safe, clean and friendly environment is my favorite part of the job.”
Saying this to the young girl in the carpool line reminded Harry of a scenario that had just happened a few weeks ago. It was one of the many moments that has led him to love what he gets to do.
He remembers a child who was laying on the floor, having a meltdown at lunchtime. The principal was sitting on the floor with the child, unsuccessfully trying to convince them to move to a calmer place.
“I saw what was going on and tried to help. Not quite sure how, but it worked. I got the child to come out into the hall with me and then walk with me up to the conference room.”
Harry says he had no idea, but his principal snapped the picture from behind them.
Harry Gunther
(For privacy purposes, the child has been blacked out.)
“This is the reason I love my job. This is the reason what I do matters. I’m here for a reason.”
He inspired us, and thousands of others across the Internet, with his touching words.
Harry’s story is a beautiful reminder that no one is here by accident. You are in the exact place that God wants you this very moment, because He plans to use you for more than we could ever ask, think or imagine (Eph. 3:20).
