I like coining terms. I'm trying to invent a term for the following
idea, perhaps you can help me.
It is that moment AFTER you've finished a huge undertaking (like
planning a wedding or some other huge long-term project) where you slump
down in your chair, and say 'Well, We did it! It's Over' and you relax
and celebrate... not that moment... the moment AFTER... when you
realize 'Huh, life goes on. There's millions of people all around me who
have no idea what we just accomplished and wouldn't care even if they
knew. Interesting.'
And then you decide to just keep on going with life.
It is that moment when you realize there will be no parade for your
accomplishment, maybe a quick pat on the back, but otherwise, the world
is not going to hoist a statue in your honor, nor will hundreds speak
your hallowed name in reverence.
Life goes on. You did something good, you served someone well, and
now... life continues. No pomp.. no circumstance. It's all over. Onto
the next thing.
THAT moment.
It isn't sad moment. It's a pause, a realization. All the people moving
around out there, have their own big moments, their own plans to undertake.
And in that moment you have a choice. That 'Huh' moment. You can
choose to wish the world did pay you homage and in some way said
'THANKS' to you. Or, you can choose to let having helped someone,
having served someone be its own reward, and then be happy and move on.
That 'huh' moment is the moment when you decide if you're going to be a
humble servant, or a complaining servant.
Banquet is over.. Huh.
Cleanup is done.. Huh.
Graduation is next.. Huh.
My daughter will be a senior in a few days.. Huh.
In 3 months my daughter will be 17... Huh.
Life is a series of moments, a series of attitude adjustments. This
week has been one of those weeks where exhaustion attacks your attitude
and you have to fight to remain a cheerful servant. I think my wife and
I pulled it off, but only because we love where we are and what we do.
