She's the lady at the new highway construction site. She is watching traffic coming from north to south, tallying the full trucks and then empty ones on their return back and forth across a road which will cease to exist soon. She is diligent. Her attention never wavers from the task at hand…the safe passage of highway vehicles and the endless stream of private traffic. Early in the morning as the rosy hues of a new day fall across the scene, she smiles at the me and I have come to know her as the crossing guard. The day is ahead and as I look at the landscape, the difference seems extraordinary.
I have been focused on the temporary stop light that turns red then green to the rhythm of the highway vehicles…no time to glance right or left. Traffic must keep moving along during the working hours. Hours later, I return to see the lady at her station, still a smile on her face. Dust and heat have filled the landscape. This day she offered a little jig. This must have been in celebration of the upcoming weekend. I wonder what will she do with her weekend! What does a person like this live for? It is obvious to me that the job is brutal. The hot scorching sun and loud noises are aspects of the job that would cause Santa Claus to be grumpy, but she smiles and when time permits she flashes that smile and adds a wave. She deserves praise and she probably never looks for it. Her paycheck rewards her and she wants to earn it. Sadly enough, no one has to be friendly anymore…no one has to be loyal anymore, and no one has to give 100%, but she gives it all!
Collier-2 I can see her round cheeks glistening in the sun and I am inspired. That 100% she offers looks so good on her. I begin to have faith again in my fellow man. The world is balanced better than I hear on the national news. There is goodness surviving the evil that surrounds me. My thoughts turn to gratitude for those who commit to the really physically challenging jobs, and do them so gracefully…the jobs that have to be done so that my life is easier. I also become so grateful that the world continues on as I slip away to retirement…driving back to my home and all its comforts. It would be nice to know more about the lady at the highway construction site.
I would like to have a cup of coffee with her or a glass of cold lemonade. I think she would be thankful, but decline my offer…she has someone to get home to. Someone there needs her diligence also. She's not afraid of life…its ups and downs and added stresses. I can see something beautiful…it must be her soul. She shows me something on her face. And I see it. She is a strong and powerful woman who believes in fairness, integrity and prayer. She does believe!
