This has been an eventful week. There have been major events and not-quite-as-major events that have made me pause and reflect. Here's what has happened:
1. Tuesday was election day. In case you missed it, we elected a new president. Like most people, I voted, and for me that meant waiting in line for 2 hours 20 minutes to get into the polling place. My natural inclination when I saw the line out the door snaking around the parking lot was to grumble. I was likely going to be late for work, and I didn't see any pleasant way to pass the time. And frankly, I was a little relieved when a woman in front of me passed out because that meant we had something interesting to watch while the ambulance came and treated her. Plus, one less person in line! It was terrible of me, I know.
But slowly I began to chat with the people standing in line with me. In from of me was was Martha, the part-time pet sitter and community college instructor. And behind me was Chuck, who, as it turns out, attends the same church as some of Lindon's seminary classmates. Small world.
As we waited, we began to share parts of our lives with each other. Martha shared with me who she was voting for, and it wasn't the same person I was voting for. But it seemed so inconsequential. Funny that at the most important moments of the election - when we are actually making the decision - the candidates mattered the least. And while Chuck and I had some common acquaintances, that's about where my similarities with this black man ended. But despite our differences, we all shared a common conviction that voting is important and worth any wait. As Martha said (and I am sure Chuck would have agreed), "People died so that I could do this."
At one point in our waiting we found ourselves standing next to a giant map of the USA painted on the ground of the parking lot. When Chuck asked me where I went to college, I went and stood in Western Pennsylvania to show him where Grove City College was. He stood on Mississippi to show me where his family lived. Martha stood on the state of Georgia to show us where she went to grad school. I don't know if I will ever see these people again, but I doubt I will ever think of this "historic" election without thinking of the people I got to know while we exercised our most basic and precious of civic rights.
2. Wednesday marked my one-year anniversary of working at my job. As you have read here many times, I love my job. That's a big deal for me because before November 5, 2007, I didn't have a history of fantastic jobs. But in many ways this job gives me the freedom to be me and work in the ways I best work. My bosses are gracious, fun, and easy to please. My work feels meaningful, and it allows me to use my gifts. In short, it's a great gig.
Ironically, Wednesday was not exactly a pleasant day at the office. Everyone seemed tense, due in large part to heavy workloads and in small part due to Tuesday's outcome...There were conference calls galore, phone calls by the gallon, and doors that remained shut for most of the day. It was a little lonely.
But despite the difficult day, I still love my job. Things were back to normal on Thursday, and today I left work before 3:30. It's great. There are tough days, but they are the exception, rather than the rule, which makes life easier. And I laugh a lot at work. That in itself is worth the price of admission.
3. Today is the birthday of my husband Lindon. He is 30! Sadly, Lindon had to celebrate his birthday by working tonight, but he still had a good day, complete with a balloon, "Happy Birthday" sung by one of his classes, and dinner with his wife. And a co-worker offered to work the last hour and a half of his shift so he could come home early!
So, those are three things this week that have made me thankful. Freedom, work, and Lindon. And Lindon and I will finish out this week with a wedding celebration tomorrow for two good friends. We are so blessed!
