Elevator Philosophy

As I approached the elevator on my way to pick up something for lunch, I saw someone round the opposite corner heading to the same spot. I pressed the down button and I asked “going down?” He said “Yes, thanks.” There was a brief pause as we waited for the elevator.

“Thank God it’s Friday.” He says.

“Yeh, I hear you.”

“It’s like the only thing there is to be thankful for……” I pick up on a slightly sardonic tone.

As the elevator opens I have a quick debate with myself: “Do I engage, or let it lie where it is?”

We step in:

“I don’t know; I try to live by the philosophy that any day above ground is a good day.”

He thinks for a moment “That’s interesting; there are people that will complain about every little thing.” He points to the floor: “This isn’t right." He points to the wall. "That’s no good; they are never happy.”

Continuing this thought I add “…..and there people that are carrying burdens I can’t even imagine who always seem happy.”

“You’re right.”

“I’ll take what I get - improve it if I can but either way, I try to appreciate it for what it is.”

The elevator door opens to the ground floor.

“Thank you, you have given me something to think about - a little elevator philosophy.”

We wish each other a good weekend as we part ways.

My job is done here.