To all the Kennard Martins out there, today (as we should every day) we say “thank you.”
Martin, as readers may recall, was honored at Goshen College Wednesday for his service to several generations of college students. Martin is in the maintenance department at the college and has mowed countless acres of grass and removed many tons of snow during the 50 years he has worked at the college. College President James Brenneman proclaimed this school year will have a theme of service, based on Martin’s example.
Some people may not consider someone doing their job as being a service. We disagree. Martin, you see, has done his job well, dependably and without fussing with his superiors or co-workers, for 50 years. And, the job he holds is not a glamorous position on campus or in the community. Most jobs in America are similar to Martin’s in their anonymity.
What we are increasingly aware of as we cover the local news, is that in Goshen there are many people who are willing to stick with jobs that produce small numbers on weekly paychecks, but offer big rewards in personal satisfaction and through the contributions they make to our community.
Last year the administrator of a local nursing home, Courtyard, spoke well of Goshen in The News, saying many people here have “servant hearts,” meaning they are gladly willing to help others through their jobs. He was very accurate.
Certainly, much of this attitude can be attributed to the many Christian denominations in Goshen that believe putting others first is one of the basic messages of Christ’s teachings. This communal belief helps create the positive attitude Goshen residents have about their city and their neighbors.
And one of those neighbors is Kennard Martin, who according to the people who work with him daily, is a humble man who enjoys his job. And through that job he has helped tens of thousands of students, staff and public visitors on the Goshen College campus.
That type of service is truly commendable and is deserving of emulation. Thank you Mr. Martin.
Opinion
Many are helped by those with ‘servant hearts’
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