I went to lunch last week with two wonderful women. One I had known for years, and the other was new to me. As we were getting settled, our server stopped by with water. He made the perfunctory introduction and asked how we were doing. Fine, we said, in the usual response.
Then I asked him how he was doing. He lit up. “I’m in paradise,” he enthusiastically replied. We all stopped mid-menu-opening and looked up. Was he being sarcastic? I couldn’t read his face.
Our expressions must have suggested we needed further explanation, so he continued. “I’m alive and employed.” We must have looked even more doubtful about his sincerity, because he stopped pouring water and looked at us with his full attention. “I mean it,” he said simply, and moved on to other tables.
We three just looked at each other, aware that the universe had just treated us to lunch.
He who knows enough is enough will always have enough. ~Tao Te Ching
related post: Contentment: Priceless
I *love* this, Galen! I am in paradise, too!
ReplyDeleteJoy, I believe you. You are the most "in paradise" person I know. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi Galen... haven't commented in a bit ... following you on Facebook... but I need to comment on this and say .. isn't this wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI was feeling yucked out ... and a server made my day... her smile and genuine ... hi... just that much raised a cloud... interesting, isn't it.... how a simple unexpected expression or gesture can make our day.
Carolyn, Good to see you. We sometimes have these random encounters that are so brief, but have such an impact. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteLove it! I wouldn't go so far as to say Paradise, but I state the intention,"They are happy to have me and I am happy to be here." Kind of close :)
ReplyDeleteJulie, Same sentiment, I think. And who wouldn't be happy to have you around?! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWhat a wonderful moment of gratitude. I loved this sweet story.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanks, LeAnn. I don't even remember what I had for lunch, but I will remember him for a long time! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteHi Galen,
ReplyDeleteNice to have you back, and I hope your get-away was a nice one a few weeks back :)
That surely is a beautiful picture, and does look like paradise for sure. Thanks for sharing it with us. :)
Have a nice weekend :)
Harleena, Glad to see you. Yes, I did have a nice break, thanks. Hope you have a nice weekend, too.
DeleteThis is exactly how we should feel each day of our lives! What an amazing young man!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Martha, So true. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteSometimes we forget the most obvious aspects of our life and keep searching for the bigger ones. The man has taught us important lessons. May god bless him.
ReplyDeleteJoy always,
Susan
Susan, Sometimes we are right in the middle of paradise and we don't see it because we are, just as you said, looking for something else. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWhat a beautiful experience to have - I'm in paradise - wouldn't it be a better world if we all had that attitude - I'm alive and I'm employed - it's Paradise!!!!
ReplyDeleteHe was truly a gift for you ladies!
Nancy
Nancy, He was indeed. He was serving grace along with food that day. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteA good reminder of gratitude Galen. Isn't it interesting that most of us would react with doubt an curiosity when people say things are going well or are truly genuinely happy :) Or have thoughts like, 'what are they so happy about?' lol
ReplyDeleteI've had some encounters like this too - very brief but someone ended up saying something that profoundly impacted my life. even a bumper sticker sometimes, at the right time:) It's the universe speaking to us, right?
I'm sure that was one of the best lunches you've had :) !
Vishnu, I thought about that, too, that we were so quick to assume he was being sarcastic. Is it so odd for people to be grateful and happy in their lives?
DeleteI, too, have found much wisdom on bumper stickers and even in commercials. I still love the beer commercial about magic. Do you have a favorite bumper sticker? Mine is "If you lived in your heart, you'd be home by now."
Thanks for commenting.
It can be so simple, can't it!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Thanks for your comment, Sandra.
DeleteSimpy wonderful!!! Pam xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam!
DeleteAs my 90 year old father says every time we join him for lunch, he is "Fantastic." I hope I see life the same way if I make it to his age.
ReplyDeleteBob, My former supervisor always answers says he is "perfect." I want to be like your dad, too! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteNice. Reminds me of one of my favorite lines from "Life Is a Song" by Patrick Park: "I always forget how strange it is, just to be alive at all."
ReplyDeleteTom, That's a great line--thank you!
DeleteHello Galen,
ReplyDeleteThe comment made by the waiter reminds me of reverence -- reverence for the blessings, big and small of everyday.It's Thanksgiving weekend in Canada and I sit at my desk at the cottage looking out at my own paradise. I rejoice as I enjoy the privileges of freedom, health and family. Be well, Jeanette
Jeanette, Thank you for making that connection to reverence. Beautifully said. Happy Thanksgiving in Canada, and thanks for commenting.
DeleteThat's amazing!! You got an incredible message!!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, I know--it is amazing! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWhen asked I'm 'Fabulous' - because I am. My life is perfect because it is what God wants for me and I listen so very hard to make sure it stays on course. I am blessed and loved and it really doesn't get any better than that.
ReplyDeleteLove the pic - I have that same one rolled in a tube right now waiting to be framed. Wish that beach looked like the picture, but it's still a lovely beach.
Thanks, as always, for sharing.
catlady, Now THAT is a great attitude about life. You are a model of living in paradise. Thanks for your comment. (And how interesting that we were both drawn to the same picture.)
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