FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Always with a Smile

Tonight at our mutual activity, our Bishop told a sweet story. He works as an optometrist at a Target Super Center and has established a sweet friendship with the "shopping cart boy" there. Tim is a mentally disabled young man whose only job is to continuously collect shopping carts from the parking lot and return them to the front of the store. Though this doesn't seem to me, a particularly rewarding or desirable occupation, he truly loves his job. He always works with a smile on his face and while whistling or humming a happy little tune.

I was so touched to hear of this young man. Here is someone who obviously has faced adversity in his life. He is also obviously a man of meager means. Yet, he chooses to look at what he DOES HAVE. Instead of dwelling on his inadequacies and limitations, Tim's heart is full of gratitude for his friends and his health. He is happy because he chooses to find happiness around him.

I went to Ogden today with my mom to do some shopping. We were driving down Wall Avenue towards the mall and I saw a auto repair shop that was painted the most beautiful color of green. (As a photographer, I love colors!) As I mentioned the color to my mom, I realized that I was being a "Tim" at that moment. Instead of noticing the gray sky or the dirty city streets or drab, worn-down buildings around me, I had found something that made me happy.

I hope to be able to be more like this exceptional young man, and search for happiness all around me. Thanks, Tim, for your endearing example!