Be the surprise

I had the craziest TSA experience this weekend… and it shouldn’t surprise you that it brought me to this message with you today.

TSA was a ghost town. There was no one in line except for me and a traveler who forgot his water cup was still full.

As he approached the TSA checkpoint, he was visibly flustered, not knowing what he should do about the liquid situation. The agent waved him through and directed him to the area where he could easily get rid of his water and proceed to the line that did not exist.

I was right behind him. I was ready to wait (I had plenty of time) as he maneuvered the water, multiple bags, and a flustered situation. When you travel with kids, you have a newfound patience for anyone and everyone in this line. I show up with all the grace, hoping I receive it when it’s my day with the circus.

He waved me ahead of him, so I was now the ONLY person going through security. I loaded my bags onto the conveyor belt (yes, I had to look up this name) and then proceeded to the security AIT scanner (also fact-checked ). And there I was again, waiting.

The TSA agent was in conversation with a colleague and hadn’t noticed me yet. But this wasn’t my first rodeo…I was waiting for the signal from him to proceed.

His colleague, standing to my left, hollered for his attention and apologized to me. The man looked at me, stunned.

I walked through, very confused, and he went on to explain he hadn’t had anyone just “wait” before. He launched into a quick rant about how everyone just makes their own rules, barges through, and proceeds before their turn. “Kind of like being at a traffic stop,” he said.

I (ME) was a surprise. So much so that two other TSA agents chimed in.

I grabbed my bags, wished them a good day, and reflected on how bizarre it was that me following a process, a familiar system, was the surprise in their day.

Is the bar that low?

Have we become so impatient that when patience shows up, it’s surprising?

I guess in a lot of places, the answer to that is yes.

So as you kick off this week, I want to ask you: Where does your life need your patience, grace, and willingness to just wait?

I wouldn’t use “patient” as a word to describe myself. I also wouldn’t say I’m good at waiting (I admitted it, Eric…don’t you worry).

But I am very aware of the people and places that need it. And it’s up to me to give it.

I hope you will too.

In a world of pure chaos, be the surprise someone needs. Surprise them with your patience. Your grace. And your willingness to wait with kindness.

For the many I know traveling to Orlando this week, I hope you’ll surprise your TSA agents too

And I hope you know that I’m so glad you’re here.

Big hugs & so much love,

Cassy

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