I often go to this McDonald's because it is close to the house. I know most everyone there because I have a habit of talking to anyone and everyone. I had never seen this woman so I assume she is new. Since the wind was a little chilly this morning I told her she needed a coat. Her response was that she was fine and that it was warm enough inside the restaurant. She said all that without losing her smile on her face. I could tell that this lady was sincerely happy.
The unusual part of this whole transaction was that I got the feeling that this lady was happy to be where she was. We all frequent drive-thrus weekly if not daily and to take notice of something as simple as a fast food worker was out of the ordinary for me and probably for any of us. But that smile was intriguing to me.
I came to the conclusion that this woman was happy that she was employed and it didn't matter where it was. I was impressed. Most of us wouldn't want to be working in a McDonald's but you never know when being accepted will come as a blessing. I am totally speculating about this whole scenario, but I couldn't help but play out the different reasons how Ms. McDonald arrived at the window serving me my meal. I thought she may have applied at several different jobs without any response. McDonald's may have been her only offer and she was happy to take the employment - regardless.
Why I took the time to ponder this lady and her situation was and is somewhat puzzling. I actually felt wonderful for her and it made me feel great. Seeing someone with a smile on their face makes me feel good. I get pleasure from happy people. I think I'm in love with happiness. To see people content and with joy fills me with admiration but sometimes it's envy that I feel.
So often I am restless and unsatisfied. Not that I should be but I think it's human nature to want more, to sometimes think you should be somewhere else or that you deserve more. The unfortunate thing is that we don't realize we are on the path that we are suppose to be on until we get to where we're going. I often want to fast track the process but it doesn't work that way. You sometimes have to go through the shit to get to the gold.
I was sidelined for an entire year due to an injury last April. I was in the hospital for nearly a month and was confined to a rented hospital bed for four months wondering - why me. I couldn't figure out what the plan was for me and how broken bones fit into the plan. I still have trouble walking and the pain in my legs becomes unbearable sometimes but I have realized that God took my wheels away from me because I was on a crash course. After Kaylee's sickness I was making up for lost time by going out more than I should have. I was socializing with a crowd who had little responsibility and time to kill. That association nearly cost me my life.
Today I know where I am going and the reasons why I had time to gain clarity. It was part of my road to stop and evaluate my life and take stock. It was the best thing that happened to me. I found a new appreciation for my life and the direction I'm heading in. The nasty accident wasn't what I would have wished for but it was delivered and I have to thank God my brain wasn't injured. My strengths are my creativity and drive. So after my encounter with Ms. McDonald I am going to smile a little more and be thankful that I have a goal and mission in life. Slinging Egg McMuffins might not be for me but I do appreciate that there is something for everyone!
