Making the Best of it…
Prudence tells us to arrive the day BEFORE a cruise to more likely ensure that we are there and ready on the day of embarkation. Besides, even if we can’t get in the cabin, just being on the ship is exciting, so we want to be on time!
For this trip we flew to Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL), ETA just after 3:30 p.m. There was rough weather in the area and as the pilot literally flew in every direction, south, west, north, and east to try for landing, it continued to worsen. With our “round-the-clock” efforts fuel was getting low, so we were diverted to Miami – along with 20-30 other aircraft. It’s not like Miami is an empty field just waiting for someone to visit, so we knew that even if the weather cleared, getting crews to refuel and a slot in the traffic pattern to head back to FLL wouldn’t be quick.
Genny and I were seated in row 17 by the restroom, and had already been counting the number of times a gentleman in first class had made his way to “our” restroom (hey, the monitors only worked for the safety briefing so we needed something to keep us occupied!).
We knew that as soon as the plane came to a stop and the seat belt sign went off there would be a stampede for the restrooms, so in a spirit of self-preservation we devised a plan to be first in line. Just before landing (and against regulations) our friend from first came stumbling back again but we figured at least he would be out of the way.
We landed in Miami, executed our plan flawlessly, and settled in for the wait. Soon they announced that passengers had an option to deplane, but if they had bags in the belly they would have to pick them up later in FLL. Most of the flyers did choose to depart including the guy in the window seat on our row of three, and one with some interesting language for the young flight attendant about having to leave without his luggage – bad form!
Genny and I spread out and I attempted to watch a movie. Oh that’s right, the monitors don’t work. Well, I’ll charge my cell phone – unh uh, the outlets don’t work either. As we say in the south, bless their hearts.
We saw our friend in first drinking coffee and prepared for another visit, polished off some Easter M&M’s left over from a lady’s gathering the day before (thank you, Gloria), and after about an hour and a half were refueled. With the departure of so many people they had to recalculate the load, we were given clearance, watched the safety video again, pushed off from the gate…and sat on the runway for another forty minutes with the very tired two year old who did NOT deplane and decided to share his misery with all of us.
As we finally departed for our uneventful twelve minute flight to FLL, I was reminded how “first-world” these “problems” really are. Here we are with no pressure to be anywhere, about to embark on a cruise ship where our beds will be made, our meals will be prepared, our table will be set and dishes will be washed. We can sit with a book and watch the ocean for hours, walk around the deck or use the gym to walk off some of that extra food, or participate in a myriad of other activities at our leisure. It seems so extravagant – and so wonderful!
So with all that is ahead why do I bother writing about something as mundane as getting from one airport to another? The answer is found in one word. Gratitude.
Scientists tell us that gratitude, referring to a state or practice of being grateful, has profound impacts on our mental, spiritual, and even physical well-being. Practicing gratitude can literally change the neural pathways in our brains to improve memory and other bodily functions!
Being deliberately grateful, for travel opportunities as a whole and during the annoyances along the way, heightens the enjoyment significantly and establishes the perspective and means to deal with the disappointments. It’s no wonder Scripture tells us over and over again to “give thanks”.
I am grateful for the opportunities and effects of travel from thinking about it to completing it – including sharing it with those of you who ramble along with us. May we experience gratitude for both the mundane and exciting today!
Have a great time!!!