As I type this post, I sit at gate 5 in an airport in Knoxville Tennessee. My flight was originally scheduled to depart in 3 minutes. I have a connecting flight in Atlanta. Our plane is not here. It won't be for a while. I will miss my connecting flight. (think traveling is glamorous?)
Here are my options:
OPTION 1: Rant. Rave. Demand my original schedule. Complain about how hard this is making my life. Yell at the nice lady behind the counter. Run my fingers feverishly through my hair (which I don't even have). Huff and puff. Pace. Stomp my feet. Glare at everyone. Roll my eyes.
OPTION 2: Breathe slowly and evenly. Abandon my original schedule. Smile at the nice lady behind the counter. Speak slowly. Plan for the next trajectory in my path. Make a couple calls to inform the others who are impacted by my lateness.
I survey the Gate-5 area. There are about 32 individuals. Some male. Some female. Some tall. Some short. Some opting for OPTION 1. Some finding their comfort in OPTION 2.
I gotta tell you, those who opt for OPTION 1 are quite interesting. My mind wanders to their home life. Their future. Are they hard to live with? Do they turn people off? Will they die early with a heart condition, high blood pressure? TO the contrary, those opting for OPTION 2 seem happier about life in general. They look as though their mind immediately shifted to "plan B".
I've sat back down now. I've talked to the nice lacy behind the counter. Got a new flight plan to get me back to Pittsburgh. Still have an inch of Starbuck's Verona left to sip. Listening to John Mayer in my ear buds ("Waiting For The World To Change" - irony?). I've chosen OPTION 2 (I wish I could say that for every change I face). Here are a few of my thoughts as I sit here:
>>> Unexpected change is like a neon yellow highlighter swiping across a person's soul. Change brings out what's inside. If there is no peace, ugly emerges. If there is peace, beauty emerges.
>>> Unexpected change is like a gift-wrapped package. Some people take it and throw it away without opening it. Others open it and find the gift of opportunity.
My unexpected change happened in an airport in Knoxville on a Friday morning in late June. When your next unexpected change happens, what's your response going to be?
It is all in the attitude! Thanks for showing one that honors Christ and others.
Posted by: Jim F. | June 25, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Thanks for stopping by Jim. Attitude is everything. Especially when there is little in your control.
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | June 25, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Scott, as per usual, great post. First, hope you get/got to wherever your headed. Second, I have had major unexpected change in my life. My first reaction was option one. I did stomp and huff and puff and cuss like the Fantastic Mr. Fox BUT by God's gracefilled patience I slipped into option two. Between your two options, which are absatively dead on, lies the Grace of God. The first is completely human, completely Godless, and completely counter-productive. The second is completely divine, God-full, and bears such fruit as I have come to know.
Pleasant and peaceful travels!
Posted by: Allen | June 25, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Thx for your comment Allen. You are right about God's grace. I'm sure my life has been quite amusing to Him at times. May all your life changes result in divine "OPTION 2's".
btw, still in Knoxville as I type this. Now there may be mechanical problems with our airplane that just arrived. Hmmm.
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | June 25, 2010 at 11:37 AM
I'm impressed with your attitude. And that you listen to John Mayer. I agree with you. I know that just relaxing and realizing there is very little you can do about it, is definitely the best option.
Now, go get yourself a coffee and relax. :)
Posted by: Duane Scott | June 25, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Duane, thanks. John Mayer and I have been hangin for about 4 hours now. And if I drink anymore coffee, I'll have to sit in the lavatory the whole flight :)
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | June 25, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Scott, thanks for this post today! I found my way here today through EveryDay Giving and so happy I did. No mistake I made my way here today and believe it or not, my post on FB today was this:
(me)tries to live the life I want my kids to see and learn from today. (This is a work in progress for sure!) I try to speak words of love (discipline and structure is a part of this), truth, kindness, forgivemess and compassion. To live by example and live a life that is even better behind our closed doors at home. At... the end of the day hope my kids are happy and know they are loved by me and God ♥
Have a great rest of the day and when you do get on your flight, enjoy the journey and those you encounter along the way.
Diana
Posted by: Diana | June 25, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Scott, I forgot to ask if you would mind if I share your post today?
Posted by: Diana | June 25, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Diana- thanks for navigating here. Welcome aboard. Yes. All I post is repostable. I have no exclusive claim on life events. It's all Gods.
btw, WE ARE FINALLY BOARDING 4.5 HOURS LATER! Yeah!
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | June 25, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Diana - I visited your blog. You may be interested in the Facebook group 365 Club (http://www.facebook.com/365Club)
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | June 25, 2010 at 12:36 PM