loving what you do

after a most lovely tea time at urth cafe yesterday, i decided to roam the streets with camera in hand. it was one of those days when there was absolutely no agenda. no to-do lists. a day unencumbered by pressures and responsibilities. as i was leaving urth, the valet gentleman caught my attention with his HUGE smile. i couldn't help but ask how he was doing. his reply: "i am so happy to be here. it is one of the most beautiful days." i was captivated.

the valet gentleman (robert) spent the next 15 minutes talking about his three jobs, all as a valet. while he described his job, all i could think about was robert's excitement. he was engaging. he was charming. he was happy to serve. during that 15-minute exchange, robert mentioned something that continues to have me thinking...

"all i want to do is make someone smile. people can come having the worst day, but for a moment, if i can make them forget about it by bringing a smile to their face, then i know i've done my job."


robert loves what he does. his job is more than a job. it's a vessel. it meets people in the present. robert has found meaning in his job...and uses it. as i continued my day, i wondered how many people can say they actually love what they do. how many people are excited when they describe their job? and how many people dig deeper to find meaning in the seemingly mundane? for robert, it is a smile. and, my oh my, did he make me smile :o)