We're home and we had a great trip. I look forward to telling you all about it. But first, let’s talk about travel. Tom and I got to the airport Wednesday to find out that our first flight was delayed. The problem became that we would cut it really close for our flight out of Seattle to Vancouver. The airline automatically booked us on the next flight out which unfortunately was four hours later. We found our way to customer service to get new tickets. There comes a time when you have to just say to yourself; “There is nothing I can do about this situation. I will get there eventually. It’s going to be okay.”At the customer service counter it was apparent that the gal behind the desk was worn-out. She was very helpful, probably hoping we weren’t going to be irate over having to wait four hours before our next flight. She apologized that we would have to wait so long before our next flight. Here is how the conversation progressed:
Me: “So how long have you been here?”
Counter Lady: “Since 7:00 am and my shift ends at 10:00 pm.”
Me: “Dang, that’s a long day. You poor thing. You see honey we don’t have it that bad, at least we’ll get out here in four hours.” This brings a smile to her face.
Counter Lady: “I’m sick too. I’ve had a cold.”
Me: “I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better.”
Counter Lady: “Here are your new tickets and a meal ticket for $12 for any place in the airport. I wish it could be more.”
Me: “Wow, thanks.”
When we walked away Tom mentioned that she didn’t have to give us a meal ticket. She did it because I was nice to her. We went to Anthony’s and had a nice meal and talked. Then Tom read a book to me. We had such a pleasant time with each other. The four hours just melted away.
Our attitudes were right and God blessed us in return. It proved to me how important kindness is in these types of situations. When we are faced with the option of being kind or angry…kindness gets us further every time. I wasn’t kind to the lady because I thought I would get something from her. I was kind because I sensed she was already having a tough day. I didn’t want to add to it.
Just so you know we had no trouble on our trip back. It went very well.
I’ll be catching up with you all soon. Next up, “Interns.”
© Nadine Z. 2007
21 comments:
Your so right!!! Positive attitudes are way better than negative ones!
I've found that I'm a lot more gracious in those sort of situations, if I can tell that the employee is just having a helluva day as well.
I'm glad you made it safe. I wasn't aware that Canada had airports???
positive attitudes ARE heard, negative ones aren't! This was a VERY pleasant experience for you, super! Sounds like a great trip!
A good attitude goes a long way - how does the saying go? "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"?
How nice that you could have lemonde out of the lemons! Travel can be very frustrating these days.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Honey your outgoing pleasant manner always lightens a situation and we usually benefit because of it. It’s was delightful traveling with you!
Tom
Awesome! Isn't just absolutly life-giving to act the opposite of what is expected in those situations? So glad you got to bless her and you in return! I love you Nadine, you are the most faithful commenter I know :)
Blessings - Hannah
Sounds like you made the best of a bad situation. It's great to have a positive outlook... Yeah, I'm trying;)
So you really do catch more flies with honey, than with vinegar. ;-)
What a lovely reminder that our reaction to a situation is what really counts.
Nadine, this was wonderful to read. What a great reminder to have a good attitude...not just to the gal that worked there, but in your hours of waiting, you chose to have a positive attitude and ended up enjoying each other's company!
And sometimes when we're in that type of situation, it's easy to keep our focus on ourselves...but you focused on someone else- a stranger! This really inspired me!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hi Nadine - I know what you meant about being nice to the workers. We had lotsa frustrating travels this summer and it really pays to be nice to the help. They are all overworked and tired!
Sounds like we'll be hearing more about your trip!
Sandy
Happy Thanksgiving!
wut a lovely story that encourages all of us to be hv the right attitude too! Yes I hv often seen ppl react so badly to certain siutations and then they blame others for them being treated badly.
if u hv the right positive attitude, everyone else will be the same to u.
Good one!
Keshi.
sorry abt the typos..was in a hurry :(
Keshi.
Positive attitudes that hold no ulterior motives are priceless. It's a choice you make every day. You have a lot compassion in you and that's a gift from God. I love the way you used your gift on this trip.
I love your heart Nadine and I'm sure she seen the same thing.
I'm laughing now at the last sentance commented by Shadraq.....
Your story is a very good reminder to all of us. When we are tense and short with people, we get exactly what we gave out. It is just not worth it. Cast your cares upon the Lord because he cares for you...and the gal behind the flight desk!
You are so wise, Nadine! I am sure you made that woman's day. Kindness goes so far!
Jane, Pinks & Blues
So true!!!
Susan
Hope you had a good time teaching the class!!! Did you like the little part of Canada that you saw?
You are such a sweetheart. She probably got everyone and their brother complaining and hollering at her on such a busy day. I'll be you were a breath of fresh air. Nicely done, love.
So true! Sometimes delays, annoying though they can be, are just little ways of getting us to slow down.
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