Sometimes it's the little reminders to be grateful.
I was headed back to work from my lunch break. I sat in the parking lot in my car for a while just catching up with Mom on the phone. As I walked in the building, a gentleman who works for our custodial service crossed my path. He gave the biggest, most beautiful smile and said, "Hello." Not a rushed, polite, "hi," but a real hello. So I stopped. Dead in my tracks, locked eyes with him, smiled and said, "Well hello!"
We stood out in the much too hot Texas sun and had a brief conversation. I asked how he was doing and he said he was tired. All through a smile. Long story short, he works at the university from 6:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon where he then goes to his part time job. He works there until 9:00. Why working so hard? Because bills have to be paid.
He'd gone over to the BSM (Baptist Student Ministry) for a free lunch and he mentioned that they were kind enough to let him take a to-go plate to cover his dinner tonight. Anyone from back in the day remember the free lunches at the BSU? It took me back for sure. And it warmed my heart to know that they are still doing the thing.
It really got me thinking. I never worry about where my next meal is coming from. I never worry that the bills aren't going to get paid. I always have gas in my very reliable car. I have a beautiful home I share with my amazing husband who is, without doubt, my bestest friend ever. I have a nice 8:00 - 5:00 job in air conditioning. A job I just started three months ago and absolutely love. But most of all - - I have Jesus.
So when I'm frustrated that someone won't return a work e-mail fast enough or I'm worried about how the budget at work is going to play out - - I remember how good I really have it. If this stranger I just met can smile and plug along, so can I. I can smile. I can choose joy. I can be the Light in such a dark world.
I hope I run into him again. I want to tell him how he made my day.
