An Unintended Consequence

Long ago, in a land far away, Scott and I were the owners of a pest control business. The name of the company, if you must know, was Aardvark Aeration & Pest Control.

One freezing cold Saturday morning Scott woke me up early. He wanted me to help him test the brake lights on the trailer. He needed to make sure everything was running smoothly before spring began, and I was his lucky helper.

I was exceedingly unenthusiastic about this venture, especially when it meant sacrificing sleep and a nice warm bed. But I was a dutiful wife so I obliged. We put on our heavy coats, left our cozy apartment, and walked out into the frigid early morning air. The frosted grass crunched under our feet as we headed to the Datsun. Icicles hung from under the truck and entering the vehicle (which had no heating) was like shutting yourself in a freezer.  I shrank into my coat as I bounced along in the passenger seat trying to muster up a good attitude.

There was not a soul on the streets. All intelligent beings were still at home.

When we got to the storage units, Scott had to punch a code into a key pad so the mechanical arm would raise up and let us into the facility. Once we reached the unit where the trailer was stored, Scott hooked the trailer to the Datsun.

While Scott pushed the breaks and fiddled with the wiring inside the truck, I stood at my post behind the trailer on the frost-covered gravel.

Scott: Are they on?

Chelsea: No.

It was cold, standing there in my pajamas and coat, with my hands shoved in my pockets.

Scott: Are they on now?

Chelsea: No.

I started jumping up and down to create body heat.

Scott: How about now?

Chelsea: Nope.

By now my nostrils were starting to freeze together. I’m pretty sure that is final stage of hypothermia.

Scott: Are they on now?

Chelsea: No.

Finally the wires were connected and the lights came on. Hallelujah. We got in, slammed the doors and headed toward the exit of the storage unit facility. As we neared the exit, I noticed some words printed in cursive along the mechanical arm. Absent-mindedly I read them out loud:

“Thank you for the privilege of serving you.”

A smile broke out on my husband’s face. “Well, Chelsea,” Scott said, “I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for being willing to come out with me even though it is so early and cold. I really appreciate it.”

He reached for my hand.

It took my mind a couple seconds to realize what just happened. By some incredible accident I had unknowingly expressed appreciation for doing something I didn’t want to do, and it produced the most unexpected and pleasant response! His reaction was filled with gratitude, even though I hadn’t meant a word of what I said. It warmed up the whole morning and I felt that yes, indeed, it is a privilege to serve.

I still think of this experience all the time.

Small sacrifices.

Kind words.

The joy of being needed.

And the great privilege it is to serve the one you love.