It struck me yesterday as I was walking that it was the last day of the month — payday.

Like many people, I’m paid electronically. The money enters our account without a sound. No envelope opening, no bank teller tabulating. A silent acquisition.

This is a wonderful convenience and not something I want to change. But it means I seldom celebrate the wage-earning aspect of my work, the fact that every month a comfortable sum is exchanged for my toil.

So today I’m celebrating — with a silent cheer.