Spoons

So I have been working at a cafeteria for almost two years now. I know everything about that cafeteria like the back of my hand (then again, I don't think I've ever stared at the back of my hand enough to have it completely memorized. I mean I recognize what's on my hand, but I don't know if I could give detail on the spot. But anyways...) Sometimes when I'm working a job that's more seclusive, my thought process can get pretty interesting. I don't know if it's because I'm bored or maybe I just try to be more deep and intellectual than I probably am :)

So today I was in charge of washing all the silverware that was used. Let me give you a brief explanation of the process: When the silverware is returned to the dish room it is placed into a bucket of soapy water. After soaking for a little bit it's put into an intense washer. I take it out of the washer, kind of throw it all onto a table, and sort the pile into knives, forks, and spoons. Once it's all sorted, then it's washed again and then finally placed into containers to be used again. Now, I have to tell you that when I sort the large pile I pick up all the forks first, then I pick up spoons, and save knives for last.

I decided tonight that spoons were my favorite utensil. However, once I decided that, I began to ask myself why (this is where I tell myself that I have been working there way too long...trying to find meaning in silverware). But really though--do I love spoons because I use spoons to eat the majority of my diet (cereal, yogurt, ice cream, soup, etc) or is it just because they are easier to pick up once all the forks are out of that big pile? I know that's kind of a weird thing to wonder, but it got me thinking even more... Are there things that I only like because they are easy and things I don't like just because they are hard??

Take running for example--I think running is extremely hard. But do I not like it because it's hard? Have I even given myself a chance to try and enjoy it? What about cooking? I have never been really good at cooking actual meals for myself. Do I do that because it's hard to make time or do I like eating "on-the-go" food all the time? And my Food Science class--same question.

I don't want to go through life not doing great things, not liking great things, just because they are hard. Hard things can be amazing, and finishing something hard is probably the best feeling ever. Life in general can be hard, but that doesn't mean it can't still be enjoyable. I feel a rejuvenation to go forward and not let difficulty determine my interests and my life. Here's to loving things that are hard!!

A special thank you to all the spoons in that cafeteria that made me see life in a whole new perspective.