Tuesday, March 30, 2010

It's the Little Things - Lessons in Life part 2



Weeks ago my bloggin' friend, Patty, post this on her site.  It's worth a trip over there to find it and read it.
It's about a few of the people who didn't make it to work on time on 9/11 and were saved from what happened there. 
Anyway,,,with that in mind, now to part 2 of my story.
I have been planning a "spring break" trip to California for almost a year now.  Lisha is a school teacher and spring break would be a good time to visit, nice weather and just fun get away.  She sent me her dates so I could make my flight arrangements,,,,March 29 - April 5th.  I even had given those dates to Pat to research plane fares for me....seems easy enough.  He had some saved overtime hours that he turned in so we would have the funds to pay for my ticket. 
Late Feb. I went on line with Expedia, found just the flight I was looking for.  Carefully chose my times of departure, seats I would want, etc.  Plugged in my Debit Card info and stared at the reservations, noting the  warning to recheck everything as this ticket is non-refundable, not-exchangeable, etc.  Yes, I had a little "reservation" within myself.  I just have so much trouble with something that is so LIMITED.... and maybe this hesitation on my part was that "still small voice" trying to talk to me.  Finally just thought, I just need to do this and punched the "purchase the ticket".   That being done, I went on to other things. 
Last week while browsing the calendar (in the kitchen) I was looking at dates for Easter, etc.  And noticed Easter is on the 4th of April and then realizing Lisha had commented it will be so nice mom, you'll be here for Easter.......but my travel arrangements were to leave on April 5th.  Suddenly, flashing before me were dates, dates and dates.......I rushed to my office and there on my calendar I had noted: Lisha's Spring Break - March 26-April 5th....I grabbed my printed out airline confirmation and sure enough I had booked April 5th - returning April 12th....somehow April 5th was stuck in my mind when I made the reservation.......but should have been my departure from Calif.
There I sat in my office with this numbing feeling washing over me...How could I have done this thing?
Then I quietly prayed and knew I would not have a "melt-down" over this.  I wasn't pleased with what I had done, but none-the-less, it was not to be "un-done".  I did make a call to Expedia and United, made a calm request for a change but they would not budge.  In order to change my tickets at this point would cost more than my original fare.
I remembered "It's the Little Things" and wondered if this was just one of those things God had arranged for me.  I don't know.  Should I have listened, been more attentive when I had a question before I pushed the "purchase ticket"? I don't know...But was God watching my reaction......I do know!!!
So, we made calls, Lisha and the girls adjusted their schedules and plans and I off to California on Monday.
And somehow.......I think it will be a good visit
This in not the end of "My Lesson in Life" and part three will be forthcoming soon.

2 comments:

Lisha said...

I'm looking forward to it.

Patty said...

So happy your friends could adjust their plans. And who knows, perhaps your mix up also means it prevented something bad from happening to one of your friends. Have a great Easter with your family and a wonderful trip to California.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

It's the Little Things - Lessons in Life part 2



Weeks ago my bloggin' friend, Patty, post this on her site.  It's worth a trip over there to find it and read it.
It's about a few of the people who didn't make it to work on time on 9/11 and were saved from what happened there. 
Anyway,,,with that in mind, now to part 2 of my story.
I have been planning a "spring break" trip to California for almost a year now.  Lisha is a school teacher and spring break would be a good time to visit, nice weather and just fun get away.  She sent me her dates so I could make my flight arrangements,,,,March 29 - April 5th.  I even had given those dates to Pat to research plane fares for me....seems easy enough.  He had some saved overtime hours that he turned in so we would have the funds to pay for my ticket. 
Late Feb. I went on line with Expedia, found just the flight I was looking for.  Carefully chose my times of departure, seats I would want, etc.  Plugged in my Debit Card info and stared at the reservations, noting the  warning to recheck everything as this ticket is non-refundable, not-exchangeable, etc.  Yes, I had a little "reservation" within myself.  I just have so much trouble with something that is so LIMITED.... and maybe this hesitation on my part was that "still small voice" trying to talk to me.  Finally just thought, I just need to do this and punched the "purchase the ticket".   That being done, I went on to other things. 
Last week while browsing the calendar (in the kitchen) I was looking at dates for Easter, etc.  And noticed Easter is on the 4th of April and then realizing Lisha had commented it will be so nice mom, you'll be here for Easter.......but my travel arrangements were to leave on April 5th.  Suddenly, flashing before me were dates, dates and dates.......I rushed to my office and there on my calendar I had noted: Lisha's Spring Break - March 26-April 5th....I grabbed my printed out airline confirmation and sure enough I had booked April 5th - returning April 12th....somehow April 5th was stuck in my mind when I made the reservation.......but should have been my departure from Calif.
There I sat in my office with this numbing feeling washing over me...How could I have done this thing?
Then I quietly prayed and knew I would not have a "melt-down" over this.  I wasn't pleased with what I had done, but none-the-less, it was not to be "un-done".  I did make a call to Expedia and United, made a calm request for a change but they would not budge.  In order to change my tickets at this point would cost more than my original fare.
I remembered "It's the Little Things" and wondered if this was just one of those things God had arranged for me.  I don't know.  Should I have listened, been more attentive when I had a question before I pushed the "purchase ticket"? I don't know...But was God watching my reaction......I do know!!!
So, we made calls, Lisha and the girls adjusted their schedules and plans and I off to California on Monday.
And somehow.......I think it will be a good visit
This in not the end of "My Lesson in Life" and part three will be forthcoming soon.

2 comments:

Lisha said...

I'm looking forward to it.

Patty said...

So happy your friends could adjust their plans. And who knows, perhaps your mix up also means it prevented something bad from happening to one of your friends. Have a great Easter with your family and a wonderful trip to California.