Three people were at the hospital reception desk. Two were seated behind monitors. The third person, a security guard, stood nearby.

All three were cheery. All three were nice. But it was the security guard who smiled broadly and gave me clear directions on which hallways to take, when to turn, and what to do. As though an administrator had said, “Part of your job is to be like a welcoming doorman. When visitors arrive, treat them like honored guests. Be friendly and helpful. Make sure you smile warmly.”

I’m willing to bet that no one ever gave him such instructions. My guess is that he made a personal choice to take on that role. “Whose job is it to welcome people and offer guidance? Whose job is it to be warm and inviting? I can do those things.”

A certain kind of magic happens when we use our gifts to fill unwritten roles in order to make things better.