Waffles tell a story...

Its a simple observation, but one made with time.  Beside our hotel is a little waffle stand, Yummy Waffle.  There they make waffles...and milk tea.  That's it.  It has become a fun and favorite stop for us.  I must admit I have contributed to this establishment tremendously, but today something just clicked.  The guy who is working always has a smile on his face.  He is very cheerful and makes amazing waffles.  We communicate through gestures, pointing and smiling.  His broken English and my 5 words of Mandarin has never stopped this venture of simple culinary delights.  Its more that just waffles though... 


As we have consistently been customers of the Yummy Waffle, I have noticed more that just the various array of toppings available.  What I have most found is the manner in which the guy serves his waffles.  Its a simple product...waffles.  However, he does it with excellence.  He truly takes pride as he drizzles the peanut butter sauce or the chocolate sauce over the freshly made waffle.  The precision as he makes sure that each little square has the perfect amount of blueberries...my favorite.  Served with a smile and a simple xièxiè (thank you)  to which I happily reply no THANK YOU! (xièxiè)  

Its taking a moment to appreciate the simple things and the attitude of being content in the simple ways.  It can be very easy to get lost in the rush.  We oft allow culture, work, programs, etc...to rush us through daily life and we forget to take that moment to enjoy where we are.  What I see is more than a young man making waffles...he is content and happy where he is doing what he does.  

What can we take from this simple Waffle story? Maya Angelo says, "Be present in all things and thankful for all things."  In the smallest and simplest of moments, if we can find joy, contentment and purpose, how much more would we enjoy this journey of life.  Enjoying the now is something I am finding more and more here in Shanghai.  I see the people in the parks doing their exercises or dancing in the evenings.  It is amazing and refreshing to see this pace of life in such a city.  It truly makes sense and brings a depth to the phrase "stop and smell the roses."