Airport Delays and Gifts in Disguise
November 14th, 2008
WORD COUNT: 491 Short … Yet Inspiring Words
TIME to CONNECT: * About 2 MINUTES*
As I sit in the airport waiting for my flight home, I can’t help but wonder about synchronicity, and the purpose of “random” events.
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of trying to solve a problem, and then the information and perfect resource you needed, just fell into your lap? Have you ever met a stranger in a crowded place, only to discover incredible similarities in your life experiences?
Well that’s the beauty of being delayed in a busy airport, and I’ve experienced a lot of delays in the past few weeks. Yet if it wasn’t for those delays, I wouldn’t have met Marie from Michigan, who’s navigating her way through a recent divorce, or Carol from New Orleans who inspired me with her story about her family pulling together to rebuild after hurricane Katrina. I also wouldn’t have smiled and laughed with Jeff from Chesapeake, with whom I share an unbelievable number of hopes and dreams.
I suppose I could complain about the cancelled flights, and the long delays. But as I reflect, I realize that it’s been an incredible adventure. There are so many wonderful people in the world! I guess I always knew that, but needed the reminder.
My life is so much richer, because of those brief conversations. In fact, Marie from Michigan confided in me that she was glad she met me. As we shared a table and a meal in an overcrowded airport restaurant, she told me about being a doctor in the Philippines, and giving up her practice to be with a man she loved. Yet as much as he loved her, he couldn’t accept her strength, and she just couldn’t be someone she was not.
She told me that she could tell a stranger (who just happened to have very similar life experiences), about her deepest feelings, without fear of being judged. That made me smile, and I’m so delighted that I was the one who was able to be there for her. Yet I feel like she gave me so much more than I gave her.
All these events make me wonder about the bigger purpose behind all these brief, yet very meaningful connections. I’m glad for those delays, for I have a new found appreciation for the purpose behind all the “random” events, that I had frequently taken for granted.
You are here for a very powerful reason, and everyday, in every encounter, there is purpose and meaning that goes beyond what you may initially see. For without you, there would be a very big whole indeed.
Every connection ripples through time and space with the potential for uplifting another in an hour of need, or to share a laugh, or to be inspired.
The delays also gave me time to reflect on the little “inconveniences”, that are true gifts in disguise.
Your friend and partner in daily discovery,
Copyright© Laura Cardone 2008. All Rights Reserved. This is a Daily Discovery Series edition. http://www.profitswithpurpose.com is for business owners and professionals who are passionate about creating a successful business, AND a fulfilling and balanced life.
