You've Obviously Worked In Labor

I met a man at the University of Utah who was busy completing his custodial duties.  I asked him how he was doing and he responded in a friendly manner.  I thanked him for his efforts in keeping the restrooms clean and the other surroundings very tidy.  His response, "you've obviously worked as a laborer."  I told him that I still was.

That led into a very sweet conversation with this man named Jim.  He was intelligent and very bright.  He spoke nicely--borderline beautiful.  His language was refined and he spoke as one who legitimately knew what he was talking about.  I guess that he was in his late fifties or early sixties.

We talked about life and the experiences that helped to shape us into the men we are today.  He asked me if I felt that a janitor meant he was unsuccessful?  I told him that I felt just the opposite.  "it takes everybody in this world," I told him.  

There are some remarkable people.  I love the vast knowledge that is had by many who are 'overlooked'.

It was a pleasure to talk to Jim and to hear of his feelings.  There are many among us who just need someone to listen.  I hope to always be that person.

People

I stopped to grab a soda pop at one of the local gas stations in Magna.  As I stood at the fountain area filling my cup with soda a woman approached the fountain area.  I said good morning and she replied a good morning back to me.  The couple of short minutes that I was in the store I watched several people carefully.  I watched their mannerisms and the way that they walked and talked.  I watched what they purchased.  I found out a lot about a few people at a very early hour of the day without uttering a word to them.
What do people think of me when they are doing the same exercise I just did?  Am I somebody that they find to be happy?
I thought about this as I drove to work.  I understand that there are a lot of assumptions made when you do what I did in the store but there were some obvious things that I picked up on too.  I want to be a person that when somebody sees me they immediately feel like I am friendly.  I want to be seen as a good person who is trying to do my best.  I want people to feel comfortable when they are around me.  We are all children of the same Creator.  We are all trying to get to the same place.  It is my desire to be good in all that I do and to help others be the best that they can be.
Life is filled with joy and that joy comes from treating others with love and respect.

I Love People

It has been a rich blessing to have relationships and friendships that are meaningful in many different ways.  The friendships that I enjoy are with people who have the desire to do good things and be good decent people.
When I was young I wanted to have as many friends as there was possible to have.  I hoped that when I grew up that the number of those friends would be countless.
It's not countless but I have enjoyed some neat associations.
People are generally good.  Look around and notice all of the people who are doing good because it's the right thing to do.
Many of you are those people.  Thanks for being good!  I love what you teach me.  It is a blessing to have you as my friends.