A monk who does not despise what he has received, even though it be little, who is pure in livelihood and unremitting in effort, him even the gods praise.
(from "Dhammapada - a practical guide to right living" Sukhi Hotu Dhamma Publications)
P. and I were attending a function at head office, sponsored by HR, and there were refreshments served. After the function, we stayed ther to work ,and noticed lots of leftover cookies in a box. The organisers told us repeatedly to help ourselves, because they didnt want to take the food back themselves.
Well, P and I worked till late, then before we left we decided to take the box of cookies back to our branch to share with the guys there. I put the cookies in tha pantry the next morning with a sign saying they were from HR, and everyone was wellcome to help themselves.
Imagine my surprise later in the day when I was making a cup of coffee and someone started complaining - he had a bad impression of HR because they had sent just ONE box of cookies. He thought it was bad of the company to have such a TIGHT budget and not provide more food for staff.
I was really dissapointed, but it also taught me a lesson - I have in the past made the same mistake that that collegue made.... I have looked at benefits that are given unconditionally, whether deserved or not, and criticised them. I have been ruled by my cravings, and have grumbled about what I have been given because it was little.
Now - I dont belittle the fact that an employer is obligated to pay a fair wage for a fair days work, neither do I ignore the fact that some employers unfairly load employees with ridiculously high expectations.
But we as employees also have obligations - to give that fair day's work, and to recognise when something 'extra' is given, not because we did our jobs, but for whatever reason, or no reason at all.
It would make us better people, in some ways, to expect less of others, and more of our selves.
Pax Vobiscum.
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