This afternoon I was able to grab the elevator to the other floor just as it was about to go up. One of the building's maintenance people was in there. I think he was a little nervous about sharing the ride with me. I cracked a small joke about timing and how I'd been waiting all day to catch the elevator.
After a small nervous pause, he asked "So how is it in paradise today?"
Huh? I honestly had no clue what he was talking about. Then it occurred to me that he might be talking about the state we live in. (not all of the workers are local) So I asked him if he meant here in California.
No, he meant here at my company.
I was a little gob stopped. He thought that working for this company was like paradise?!
I must have looked as surprised as I felt because he felt compelled to explain himself. He said that the people who worked here always seemed to be cheerful and having a good day.
Well I'll be!!!
This got me to thinking. How often are we the ones looking in and how often are we the ones on the inside with no clue as to what little bit of paradise we really have? I can definately say that I've had jobs that were worse. From where he stands what I have seems much better than what he has.
I know I say this all the time, but I do love my job. It is a slice of paradise most days. Have I finally grown up enough emotionally to appreciate what I have? I'm going to have to remember this little interaction next time I have one of "those" days. :)
