I'm a Jerk whom God Loves

Last week my friend Jill and I flew to Nashville for two days of food and books and fun. We booked our flights separately. But I called the airline ahead to make sure we were seated together. Long flights at 4:00AM are better when you are seated by a friend.

​We prechecked and went through security. Headed to the gate. Jill handed over her boarding pass and the agent welcomed her onboard. I handed over my ticket. Small pause.Then the following conversation took place.

​Agent: I'm glad you are here. We have a new boarding pass for you. We had to change your seat.

​Me: But I'm with my friend. I don't want a new seat.

​Agent: Oh. You didn't book your flight with anyone so we assumed you were alone. I'm sorry. The plane is full and your seat was needed.

​Me: But I want my seat back. I don't want to move. I want to sit with my friend.

​Agent: I am sorry. A handicapped person needed the seat so she could sit by her caregiver.

​Me: Humph. I even called the airline to make sure we were together. You have GOT to be kidding me.

​Agent: We can give you airline miles.

​Me: I don't want airline miles. I just want my seat. The spot between my eyebrows was now seriously creased.

Agent:

​Me: Ok FINE.

​I took my new boarding pass and stomped down the ramp. Jill comforted and shrugged and honestly probably wished I'd shut up.

​I took a deep breath and started preaching grace to my heart. Seriously, a handicapped person needed the seat. What was my problem? Breathing. Considered my two boarding passes. My old seat was 27A. My new seat was 26A. I can deal I guess. One row isn't a big deal. Sigh. 26 will be fine.

​Glanced at Jill's boarding pass. She was seated in 26B.

Um.

​Yes. My new boarding pass put me next to Jill.

​The old boarding pass which I'd so carefully confirmed with the airline had us one row apart. I had thrown a fit, growled at an agent, ignored grace for someone who needed my seat and generally behaved badly. And God had been blessing me the entire time.

For the love. I'm a jerk.

​I have a sneaky suspicion I do this all the time. Get annoyed when plans change. Growl at people. Frown and Fuss. Throw a fit when God changes my life in big and small ways. But I know His plans are for my good. I know even the painful and heartache things can bring great joy and glory and growth.

Sometimes the change means you get what you really wanted the whole time.

​Row 26 was nice.