Dirty Jobs... but the Present is a Beauty

Hunched over a sink scrubbing sticky syrup pumps, mopping floors concealed by a coat of dried milk, and handing change over to customers purchasing their daily coffee fix is not the credentials for a glamours job. For some reason, I had this fantasy that working in a coffee shop would be the perfect job to fill my free time. Happily handing out coffee to customers knowing it would brighten their day seemed rewarding. Obviously, I didn't take into consideration the downsides to working in the food service business. There goes my dream of owning a bakery one day. I'm glad reality hit me now. 

Last week, I was tormented with the thoughts of working, especially closing, where most of the dirty work is done. I cringed at the thought of making another trip downtown to work a minimum wage job that I was too good for. A Hillsdale grad deserves more than this. But yesterday, I arrived at work with a change in heart. Acceptance of this low class job replaced the negative thoughts that I previously held. I was at peace. Instead of hating every latte smothered in whipped cream and each customer who suddenly remembered, 'oh yes, they had their Biggby frequency card so now I can hold up the line some more to get the manager to swipe it again for them,' I welcomed the opportunity to serve them, make their ArtPrize experience a little better, make their day a bit more cheery. I am a small link in brightening the lives of each individual. 

Realizing this moved me another step closer to living a life fully in the present. I'm tired of worrying about what the future will bring. Thinking about the future too much leaves you in a depressing state. But living in the present allows you to see the good in every moment. 

The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity. -The Alchemist