If You Think Your Life is Boring, Go Take a Tour of the Jail

Spanish Fork Jail.

It's located about thirty seconds from the studio where I used to work. Quite literally. The sad part is, I never realized it was there. I guess I wouldn't say sad. That's not the right word to use. Pathetic. Yup, that's more like it. I mean honestly, what does that say about me? I had no clue what was located within a mile of my work. Oblivious. I'm gonna work on that. . . .

Let's get back on track here. Tonight I was able to go tour the Spanish Fork jail. A good friend of mine works there and mentioned he could give us a tour. Sounded interesting! So a few friends of mine and I went over for a night tour. I arrived expecting to be entertained, but I quickly realized that I had entered with the wrong mentality.

If you are a Smallville fan (which I may or may not be. Tom Welling is just WAY to good looking for this world. . . ) then you will quickly be reminded of an episode including Lex Luthor from the description I am about to give. Dull lighting, white walls and floors, never-ending hallways, thick glass windows, bars, eyes staring through the bars, shadows passing the small living areas, and loads of somber faces. Certainly not an atmosphere that generates creativity, spontaneity, or liveliness.

Recently, I found myself mulling over my supposedly mundane and predictable schedule each day. I took for granted my surroundings, opportunities, and most importantly, the smiling faces I pass each day. Going to the jail, I quickly realized how complacent I had become with my life. I let each day pass by, thinking its just another normal day. How quick I am to forget the joys and opportunities I can have each day. Joys and opportunities that these solemn inmates may not have for years, or ever.

So I received a much needed slap to the face tonight. Tomorrow will be a different day. I won't look at it as waking up to repeat the same walk to school and sit in the same seat. Tomorrow I will be grateful for room I wake up in, so full of color and personal possessions. I will be grateful I am in the midst of so many people eager to learn and grow. And most importantly, I will be grateful that I have made life decisions that landed me in the situation I am in today.