I was startled when the speakerphone blared in my office to announce that my lunch had arrived. Even though it was late in the afternoon, I wasn’t particularly hungry.

I met the deliveryman—Steve—in the lobby. As he had done many times, Steve handed me a neatly folded paper bag that contained the same three things: a turkey sandwich on rye, a bottle of water and a small bag of chips. I thanked him and wistfully watched him amble to the elevator. He was smiling and softly whistling a tune. I don’t remember the song—but I remember he was relaxed and happy.