Mac's-A-Million

Mac is a man we unexpectedly met while waiting outside for a table at a quaint little restaurant.
After "signing in" he easily conversed with us, telling us that he was a regular, and that since his wife of 54 years had died a year ago, he stayed away from home escaping the void he felt walking into an empty home, by coming to the restaurant.

As we were called in at the same time he was, and escorted to our table (while he was directed to his against the wall), it only seemed fitting to invite him to join us.

What a wonderful decision that was!
It was evident he was lonely which he admitted.
He spoke with few pauses between his words, which he also acknowledged as he continued sharing. 

In the beginning, it could have very easily been second-guessed by us as to whether or not the invite had been such a good idea, because in doing so we had given up "our time" together. But to see the joy in his eyes and feel the life in his words, gave no doubt it was not a chance opportunity nor a mistake.

It was apparent that the reason he was hurting so much was because he loved so much. As he spoke, the passion and deep love he had for his wife was palpable. With all the negativity in this world, it was refreshing to hear something not seen or heard very often anymore.

Mac was full of humor and history and stories that taught wisdom, business knowledge, enduring hardships, and what true love meant to him. 

Mac was without a doubt, one in a million! 

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without. ~James C. Dobson

What Happens In The End

The occupations I work in, can seem uncertain at times.
Meaning, there may be points during a work day/night where it seems questionable as to the effectiveness of my performance.

Because all of the endeavors I do, involve working with individuals on a personal level, I often would scrutinize each interaction, sometimes feeling guilty if it seemed I had upset someone. 
But over the years I have learned a valuable lesson.

That just because there may be some low moments, doesn't mean I have failed.
What really matters is what happens in the end.

When the day/night has come to a close, how were those involved feeling?
Were they happy, relieved, satisfied, appreciative and gracious?
Were they thanking me with words, a hug or gentle pat on the back, or holding my hand?

THESE are the telling story to me.

So, if somewhere in my day, I missed or forgot something or was a little slow, or a little too honest or stern, it really isn't where the focus should be.
Because if in the end those I work for felt loved, and appreciated and respected, all that happened in between then was just the "small stuff".
And in my jobs, you are literally too physically close to people to want to "sweat the small stuff".
 
"Train yourself to find the blessing in everything."