I landed on a flight very late at night in Phoenix AZ and called for a hotel shuttle. The night manager seemed a little flustered on the phone because they had two large groups who also just landed at a different terminal.
“It might be a while before we can pick you up” he said.
Whether it was just tiredness or a particularly mellow state of mind I responded, “Don’t worry about it. Have your driver get the group settled then come and pick me up. I am totally relaxed.”
He was stuck for words and finally got out, “Well thank you sir.”
It took almost 40 minutes for the van to pull up to the curb and I had used the time to enjoy the 72 degree temperature outside the airport while people watching. Vans from a variety of hotels and parking facilities came and went. People seemed tired and usually cranky.
When the driver pulled up for me he got out of the van saying, “Mr. Pue?”
Smiling I offered up “Sure am” and rolled my bags to the back of the shuttle.
The five-minute ride to the hotel was pleasant with a very friendly and professional driver who represented the hotel very well.
At the hotel the last of the groups were still checking in and there was only on man “Luis” working this late shift. He functioned efficiently but was a little rattled by this rush hour at a time when the hotel should have been shrouded with silence. As I finally got to the desk Luis asked me for my name.
“Pue” I responded.
“Oh so you’re Mr Relaxed. Thank you so much for being patient – that was incredible.” Luis then went out of his way to ensure that I got the room I wanted and he sent me on my way ensuring me that I was going to have a pleasant stay with them. “If there is anything you need, anything at all, please let us know. We’re glad you are staying with us.”
Settled now in my room I have been reflecting on the power of being patient in our highly pressured world. This is something that we as leaders need to remember with the people we serve and those who follow us.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Carson Pue 