The day was set up perfectly. Appointments and deliverables were balanced with time set aside to prepare, debrief, and still work on the various works in progress. I rarely have a day that comes together like this one. As it began to unfold, my hope knew no limits. Everything was coming together. I could feel the progress made with each pass hour. As I prepped for my afternoon meeting, I realized I did not have a precise location. I was certain a text message exchange would resolve the uncertainty.
“Where should we meet? Is specific place that works?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot. I’ve taken medical leave today.”
I had no idea how to respond to the fact that this was less than subtle code for an unplanned holiday. I had blocked my day to make this work! Conflicts were pushed aside and priorities reshuffled. Things had turned based on the appointment working as planned.
As I took a deep breath and paused, I realized how natural it was to be indignant. This was an example of bad manners. Bluntly put, it was rude. If it were true, and “they were sick, I dressed in black; instead of eating, I prayed.” (Psalm 35.13) However, I knew that it was simply a flimsy excuse.
There are lots of reasons to be indignant in life. Others are careless. Some are cruel. At times, individuals take advantage of the situation. There seems to be two extremes in how one responds. One extreme is to extract a price. The other is to forgive.
Regardless of why, in the moment I could see the choices clearly. For me it was a day of embracing the best in people.
“I am sorry to hear you are away. What is a good time to reschedule?”
It felt good to do the right thing. In letting go of my indignation I found myself in the presence of hope and possibilities. The process reminded me of what can be, even when everything suggests it cannot. I do not always embrace this option; it feels good.
