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.
7 Comments
Sarah
11/16/2017 07:04:37 pm
I could not love this more!
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Sandy
11/17/2017 08:24:37 am
Oh man, I'm a jerk too. SO grateful that God loves me despite my jerkiness as well. This was GREAT by the way :).
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11/19/2017 08:13:50 am
Uhm... I'm pretty sure I grouched at the ticket agent too. ;-)
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Gretchen
11/20/2017 02:15:10 pm
I can totally relate. I’ve been in similar circumstances and grouched too. Often to find out it turned out okay just what happened to you.
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Clara
2/14/2018 12:55:34 pm
It is really reassuring how far God takes Grace with us
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About MeI love Jesus. I think my two daughters can change the world. I think you can too. Past Posts
August 2020
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