Nameless blessings

Every morning, before I run to catch the bus to the train station, I greet and say goodbye to the cleaning lady on my way out. Today, to my surprise, she asked me about Angelita, or more specifically, "the lady with the knees," I believe she said. I don't know how she knows I live with Angelita, or how she knows that Tuesday Angelita is having knee replacement surgery. Probably she talks to Angelita as well. Irregardless of the information source, her thoughtfulness made me examine our daily encounters more closely. Everyday I say hello, perhaps "How are you," and then go on my way. Everyday-like part of my routine, I expect to see her polishing the windows or the floor. Even more, as I hurriedly skip down the three flights of stairs, I look forward to hearing her friendly greeting and seeing her smiling face. It is the first ray of sunshine I see every morning. As I realized how much her seemingly inconsequential actions affect my life, I began to think about the other little things that make my day good, other people that bless my life. How do I bless other people's lives? Whom do I make smile, that I don't even realize that I touch? It's interesting to think about, but I realize that it's not just a cerebral thought. It's tangible, the blessing that the cleaning lady is in my life. I think I'll make her a Christmas gift to thank her. It's funny...I don't even know her name.