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The long-time shift filled with big-faced grins
My McDonald’s order completed via raspy speaker and dancing screen, I proceed (in an orderly manner) to wend my way via automobile to the “pay” window.
Directing customers one by one is an elderly man sitting outside in the cold rain, plastic clothing barely protecting him from the damp chill.
He has a big smile on his face.
Nothing to do while I’m awaiting my turn, but to engage him.
I roll down the window and say something like, “This is the perfect day for not coming to work.” His smile gets bigger and he shouts out in a husky voice, “No, man, this is great. I like working outdoors. This is a good job!”
He means it, I can tell. And his demeanor and comment make me grin all over. The rest of the morning isn’t so bad.
Then, last night, Liz and I are leaving the house to dine with friends. Across the street, a middle-aged pizza delivery man is pulling to the curb and gathering his goodies to bring to a neighbor’s house.
Since I’m home from work for the evening, I wonder how he feels about this repetitive job.
I sing out, “I guess it feels like a long time till midnight right now.” He immediately gets my meaning and breaks out in a full-face smile. “Oh, this is no problem at all. I really like this work…you know I’ve been doing it for fourteen years!”
I reflect back his smile and congratulate him. He pauses a moment to engage.
“I think maybe you’ve delivered to my house,” I say.
He says, “You mean that one?” pointing to the yellow 1906 home with white picket fence.
“Yep, that’s us,” I reply.
“Oh, yeah, I’ve delivered to y’all plenty of times,” he boasts proudly.
Now I recognize him and realize he’s right.
“Well, we really appreciate you…and we’ll see you at our house next time!”
He waves a pleasant wave and proceeds with his mission.
And I decide to reduce my bickering about what a hard day I’ve had, next time I arrive home.
Hey, look, it’s really raining outside today—did you notice?
And do you notice how beautiful it is?
This will be a good day to come alive
© Jim Reed 2014 A.D.