I know you’re thinking, did I read that correctly? Did she really link joy with the Department of Motor Vehicles? The answer would be a resounding “yes!” Here’s my story.
I recently got a notice in the mail saying that it was time to renew my driver’s license. Ugh!!! I thought of the long lines, the cranky clerks behind the windows chewing on antacids because of the heartburn that seems to go with the job. And I wanted to put off the experience as long as possible. But another part of me said, “Oh—just get it over with.”
So on a picture perfect day, I decided to take a chance on the DMV!! I had all my paperwork completed and my check already made out. I drove my trusty 2002 white Mustang convertible, headed for the Maine Mall branch. I sang songs all the way there. And took a good book (Blue Horizon by Wilbur Smith—I love his rousing and romantic adventures). I also had a bottle of water. I was prepared to sit around well-hydrated and entertained for as long as it took.
I went in, got my number, and sat down. Lo and behold, a very congenial, smiling, and funny guy, who is the supervisor, came right over and said, “Here for a license renewal?” I said “yes.” He looked over my paperwork to be sure I had everything. Then two smiling women sat down beside me and we struck up a lively conversation about how much fun it was to have this man waiting on us at the DMV.
Within about 10 minutes my number came up. And I went over to the window. The clerk thought I looked familiar but couldn’t place me. When I told her who I was, she shared that she was working toward a degree in Naturopathic studies. Imagine that! Holistic thought at the DMV!!! Then she took my picture. For the first time EVER, I didn’t have to force a smile because the person behind the camera elicited a genuine one right from my heart.
And then I was finished. What? Wait! I didn’t even get to drink my water or read my book!! I went over to the friendly supervisor, thanked him, and floated out of there. My new license will be mailed to me. And I got it over a month ahead of time!
So here’s the take home message: it’s possible to create heaven on earth—even at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Give it a try. The way I see it, if it can happen there, it can happen ANYWHERE!!
I too just renewed my license in California. I prepared myself with my water and knitting project, checked in and sat with my number waiting to be called. Before I had stitched 5 stitches, the women behind me struck up a conversation. She admired my project and mentioned that she worked in publishing for an author who happens to be one of my favorites for knitting books. She didn’t knit and I certainly don’t write, but it was fun to feel a sort of kinship with this perfect stranger. She appreciated seeing the product of some of the information she helps produce and I tried to encourage her to start knitting. Before you knew it, my number was called. Just today I received my new license and the smile on my face tells the story of the pleasant meeting that had just taken place!