Lessons From A Missed Flight
Mar 17, 2022
“If you don't learn the lesson in the curriculum of your life the first time, you get to take the test over again until you pass it."
--Jan McDonald
I have never missed that last flight to Pasco, WA from Seattle. I've had to sprint to catch it before, but always made it.
My flight From Orlando was delayed by thunderstorms and the terminal was a zoo. So many planes were waiting on the tarmac with many disgruntled passengers standing by. The hour and a half layover in Seattle gave me the confidence that the delay wasn't going to impact me. Usually, there's a tailwind on flights westward and we land early.
When I was getting on the flight, I was notified of a seat change. My new seat was right where I could exit first when we landed. Now that was an answer to a prayer I hadn't prayed. I was hopeful.
When we landed, the flight representative told me, "Your Pasco flight has already flown. Go to the help desk and see what they can do."
It was already almost midnight...now what?
It was pandemonium at the help desk, as many missed their connecting flights. My heart went out the the flight representatives as I listened to the ranting in line.
"I'm suing the airline."
"I heard that they don't do anything if the reason you miss your flight is weather related."
"This is awful--I'm going to give her an earful. They better give me some kind of compensation."
I was tired and cold, I didn't have any jammies, tooth brush or makeup (that is it's own disaster,) I had no idea when my next flight would be or where I was spending the night. Oh yeah, I didn't have a comb, brush or any power hair tools either.
AND you know how I feel about unknowns. They make me grumpy, anxious and distracted. 
Right then I had a choice.
I could be grumpy and fearful with all these unknowns or I could look at them as an adventure. The definition of adventure is an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. Sounds kinda fun, doesn't it? That decision made all the difference.
Let's call that Lesson #1.
Lesson #2 When I cease grasping for control over things that are not mine, I can experience peace. Oh boy, peace washed over me like a river when I let go, because I remembered Who was in control. God takes the negative stuff and makes it good.
Lesson #3 I don't have to give power to anxious thoughts about the future. We don't have any surety about "What ifs" unless they happen. Ninety percent of the things we worry about never happen anyway. If I stay in the moment, I can conquer thoughts that don't serve me.
Lesson #4 If I sleep on my back, my makeup stays intact...okay...for the most part. You know what else? People don't notice your makeup, they do notice your attitude.
Lesson #5 I can drink coffee, encourage someone else in their difficult time, carry a purse and back pack while walking. (That was the hazardous part of this adventure:)
Lesson #6 There are so many people along the way that are happy to help you. Choose to be with those--not the ones with the bad attitudes.
After getting lost in the parking garage, a nice gentleman showed me where I could pick up the shuttle to the Doubletree hotel across the street from the airport. I got a great room and a toothbrush there--all compliments of Delta.
The most exciting part about this adventure is realizing that I have grown...finally. When viewing unknowns as adventures, they can be fun. My circumstances don't have to define my attitude. I get to choose that. AND maybe I have finally passed the test!
Growing,
Jan
Jan McDonald
Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
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