Since my insurance started covering a YMCA membership (love their group classes), I rarely go to Planet Fitness anymore. But today, I decided to go and workout there — and what I saw when I walked in was a gut-punch.

At the front of the gym was a small memorial: a photo of the sweet cleaning lady, a table that read “Rest in Peace” (I’ll call her Kay), her gloves, a towel, and handwritten notes from staff. My heart sank. I stood there in disbelief, eyes welling with tears.

I asked the front desk staff what had happened. She told me she’d recently undergone a medical procedure that caused internal bleeding. One day she was here, and the next, she was gone.

Through my tears, I told the young woman at the counter, “It’s such a reminder of how short life is — to be kind to everyone.” She nodded and said, “Yeah, people would just walk past her and not say anything.”

That hit me hard. Because I realized — I was one of those people.

Most days, I had my headphones in and stayed in "the zone". I might’ve smiled at her occasionally, but she rarely looked up, so I just went about my workout. I do remember how thorough she was; always cleaning. Honestly, I used to get annoyed when the floor was wet from her mopping every day as I headed to the hydro massage. Imagine the shame I now feel for those times of annoyance.

Then a few months ago, something changed. I was in the restroom when she said something, and I took out my AirPod to ask, “Were you talking to me?” She laughed and said, “No, someone else,” and we both chuckled. From then on, I made a point to say hello or wish her a good day whenever I saw her.

Looking back, I think she had just grown accustomed to being overlooked. She seemed quiet, maybe even distant, but once that barrier broke, I saw a kind and fun woman. The staff confirmed it today — she really was often ignored by everyone.

As I began my workout today, my mind wandered back to the last time I saw her — just 10 days ago. I had an early meeting at my daughter’s school, so I showered at the gym after my workout. I remember chatting with her more than usual that day. I had no idea it would be her last day alive. The next morning, the staff got the call that she had passed away.

That thought hit me deeply.

It reminded me how fleeting life is — and how we never know what someone is going through. The person you pass at the gym, the store, work, or church may be carrying pain you can’t see. Just because someone doesn’t smile or engage doesn’t mean you can’t be the one to show them kindness — to show them the face of Jesus.

I wish I’d done more — that I’d talked with her sooner or taken the time to really see her. I can’t go back, but I can change how I interact with people from now on. Even those who are rude, who don’t respond when you say hello, and especially those who have caused us pain — we’re still called to love them.

God doesn’t call us to love only those who are kind or easy to love. He calls us to love our neighbors as He loves us — unconditionally, sacrificially. That’s not an easy love. It’s a love that goes beyond comfort, beyond judgment, beyond ourselves.

I don’t know if Kay knew the Lord. Maybe if I’d spent more time with her, I would’ve learned that — maybe even shared my faith. How many missed opportunities do we have each day because we’re too rushed, distracted, or afraid?

Truthfully, I didn’t even remember her name until today (though I’m sure I’d read it on her name tag at some point — thank you, menopausal & PTSD brain 😅). When I’m at the gym, I’m not there to socialize. I avoid eye contact, keep my headphones in, and focus on my workout — partly because I don’t want to be stared at myself, so why stare at others? And partly because I don’t want anyone thinking I’m hitting on them! 

But what would it hurt to smile at the people who meet my gaze? To say, “Good morning,” or “Have a blessed day”? Maybe even a simple “Jesus loves you”?
You never know — it could be the last day of that person’s life. And your small act of kindness might be the warmest light they experience that day.

Puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?

Today’s workout turned into more than just exercise—it was a wake-up call. A reminder to put the phone down, look people in the eye, and share the love God pours into us every day. When it’s all said and done, that’s what truly matters: love God, love others. If we did that more often, can you imagine how different our world would look?

 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 

-Mark 12:29-31 (NIV)