My husband and I have an ongoing discussion about the attitude of "it's just a job" vs doing a job or activity with an attitude of how can I serve others. It seems with the economy going bad, people - who still have a job - are given so many rules, regulations & budget cuts, that they are just going through the motions or just doing what is required of them. This attitude has even struck those employed in the public service area. We have noticed that some people are so intent on following the letter of the law for their job description that they have lost their compassionate heart. There is nothing as compelling as being with someone who in the midst of them doing their job they can have a listening ear and heart for their fellow man. How can we get to the attitude of giving of ourselves and lending a helping hand as that is just who and how we are, not something added when we see that we may benefit from doing a kindness. We hear more often than not - "Why would I do that? That's not my job, or if I do that I won't get to go home right away." One of the things I am most proud of my husband is that when he is doing a job he is always thinking - how can I serve this person?"
The following story has been forwarded in emails for quite awhile. I don't know if it's a true story. I guess I really don't care if it's a true story or not, because it explains eloquently just what I'm talking about -
The Cab ride
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One time I arrived in the middle of the night for a pick up at a building that was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxi's as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute" answered a frail elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it. like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knick knacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She thanked my for my kindness. "It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated." "Oh you're such a good boy" she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said "I'm in no hurry, I'm on my way to a hospice." I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left" she continued. "the doctor says I don't have very long" I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had my pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired, Let's go now." We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing" I said. "You have to make a living" she answered. "There are other passengers." Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you" I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of the day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or on who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
It's the little things that mean the most
People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said,
but they will ALWAYS remember how you made them feel.
