I was flying home from the Midwest when a snowstorm delayed my arrival in Dallas. I raced to the gate in hopes of catching the final flight of the night for San Antonio. The airport was in a state of contained turmoil, everyone dashing to a gate. The airline had already loaded extra passengers on my plane. With all the charm I could muster, I asked the attendant, “Are any seats left?”
She looked at her computer screen. “No,” she replied, “I’m afraid . . .”
I just knew how she was going to finish the sentence: “I’m afraid you’ll have to spend the night here.” “I’m afraid you’ll need to find a hotel.” “I’m afraid you’ll have to catch the 6:00 a.m. flight to San Antonio.”
But she said none of these. Instead, she looked up and smiled. “I’m afraid there are no more seats in coach. We are going to have to bump you up to first class. Do you mind if we do that?”
“Do you mind if I kiss you?” So I boarded the plane and nestled down in the wide seat with the extra legroom.
Color me thankful.
Not every passenger was as appreciative as I was. A fellow across the aisle from me was angry because he had only one pillow. With the attendants scrambling to lock doors and prepare for the delayed departure, he was complaining about the insufficient service. “I paid extra to fly first class. I am accustomed to better attention. I want another pillow!”
On the other side of the aisle, yours truly smiled like a guy who had won the lottery without buying a ticket. One passenger grumbled; the other was grateful. The difference? The crank paid his way into first class. My seat was a gift.
If you feel the world owes you something, brace yourself for a life of sour hours. The grateful heart, on the other hand, sees each day as a gift. Thankful people focus less on the pillows they lack and more on the privileges they have.
THANKFUL PEOPLE FOCUS LESS ON THE PILLOWS THEY LACK AND MORE ON THE PRIVILEGES THEY HAVE.
On which side of the aisle do you find yourself?