Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with the amount of work that we have to do with a limited amount of time. We need to be ready to calm ourselves down and recognize that our busy schedule and the pile of tasks assigned to us will be accomplished without going into panic mode.
On a recent flight I was a witness to how quickly one can go from being relational and calm to "get out of my way and out of my face and don't bother me with you questions and requests" mode.
The flight attendant in on the 50 seat plane was relational and accommodating with all the passengers. She took extra time with making sure each person's need was met and went over and above the call with some requests. The flight was less than an hour long and the flight attendant was still at the rear of the plane serving the last couple of rows their beverage service when the cockpit signalled the 20 minutes to touchdown call.
The cart and the attendant came up the aisle with great haste as she put the announcement over the system to shut down all electronics, stow your carry on luggage, tighten your seatbelts, put away your tray tables and place your seats in their upright and locked positions. She also had to pass out declaration forms and make her final trash sweep of the cabin and finish her own paperwork and stowing and locking of the galley items. Time was running out and she was in panic mode!
The man in the seat next to me had spilled his drink and was asking the attendant for another drink to replace it. She did not really have the time to process his drink order, but she did it anyway. It was impressive that she completed all the tasks and was able to strap herself in before the final approach phase of the flight.
Once strapped into her seat, which faced my seat, we talked about the amount of work that she had to get done in a very short amount of time. She blamed herself for taking too much time with the passengers and giving out extra drinks and stopping to talk to people instead of just performing her duties. She went on to note that while she was in a panic the people behind the cockpit door were cool, calm, and collected and not worried about her state of affairs as they quietly and efficiently went about their job.
I appreciated several things about the lessons that I needed to assimilate. I need to slow down and take my time with the various tasks presented to me to accomplish in a day, but still be relational to those around me. Rabbi Saul told us that "love is not rude." I need to be aware of those in my space, but not let the people around me distract me from getting the job done. Last, but not least, I need to acknowledge the Presence of the Lord even though He is hidden from my view. He is quietly getting me safely to my destination. He is never in panic mode and He is the One Who is always on my side.
"Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side..."
On a recent flight I was a witness to how quickly one can go from being relational and calm to "get out of my way and out of my face and don't bother me with you questions and requests" mode.
The flight attendant in on the 50 seat plane was relational and accommodating with all the passengers. She took extra time with making sure each person's need was met and went over and above the call with some requests. The flight was less than an hour long and the flight attendant was still at the rear of the plane serving the last couple of rows their beverage service when the cockpit signalled the 20 minutes to touchdown call.
The cart and the attendant came up the aisle with great haste as she put the announcement over the system to shut down all electronics, stow your carry on luggage, tighten your seatbelts, put away your tray tables and place your seats in their upright and locked positions. She also had to pass out declaration forms and make her final trash sweep of the cabin and finish her own paperwork and stowing and locking of the galley items. Time was running out and she was in panic mode!
The man in the seat next to me had spilled his drink and was asking the attendant for another drink to replace it. She did not really have the time to process his drink order, but she did it anyway. It was impressive that she completed all the tasks and was able to strap herself in before the final approach phase of the flight.
Once strapped into her seat, which faced my seat, we talked about the amount of work that she had to get done in a very short amount of time. She blamed herself for taking too much time with the passengers and giving out extra drinks and stopping to talk to people instead of just performing her duties. She went on to note that while she was in a panic the people behind the cockpit door were cool, calm, and collected and not worried about her state of affairs as they quietly and efficiently went about their job.
I appreciated several things about the lessons that I needed to assimilate. I need to slow down and take my time with the various tasks presented to me to accomplish in a day, but still be relational to those around me. Rabbi Saul told us that "love is not rude." I need to be aware of those in my space, but not let the people around me distract me from getting the job done. Last, but not least, I need to acknowledge the Presence of the Lord even though He is hidden from my view. He is quietly getting me safely to my destination. He is never in panic mode and He is the One Who is always on my side.
"Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side..."