Saturday, June 8, 2019

A Tale of Two Families: A Parable

Once there were two families frantically hoping to board the same flight.  Both were groups of four.  One family was advised of the impending death of the wife’s mother.  The other family hoped to board this flight in order to finally take the vacation of their dreams.  

The family on holiday was delayed due to the husband forgetting his wallet and money on the table. The husband, hoping to amend for the error, drove home as fast as he could.  After grabbing the wallet full of cash, he sped back to the airport.  He cleared security, then sprinted to the gate but was too late.  Drenched in sweat, he apologized profusely to his family as his wife glared at him in anger. The gate agent politely apologized that the next flight was sold out but offered to place them on standby.  They reluctantly agree and silently prayed they could get on the flight.

Meanwhile, the other family was stuck in traffic.  Desperate anxiety filled the wife as she worried she would not reach her mother’s side before she slipped from this world to the next.  Her stomach churned in the knowledge it was the last flight of the day.  

When they finally arrived at the ticket counter to check in, they were informed they were too late.  His wife in tears, the man pleaded to be allowed to check in and explained the reason for their travel.  With compassion, they agent speedily checked them in for the flight and said she would help them get through security.  Looking at her watch, she said, “We have to hurry.”

They ran to security but were disheartened to see such a long line.  The agent asked them to wait while she found someone to usher them through. Minutes ticked by before the agent returned with a security agent in tow.  

Meanwhile, at the gate the man stood close to the counter hoping to hear good news.  His spouse fumed they would miss the first day of their vacation.  They had saved money for more than a year.  They had so many hopes.  Now it all seemed lost.  The children were bored and agitated causing great annoyance to their parents and those still in the gate area waiting to board.  

Having cleared security, the other family ran as fast as they could to their gate.  It was the furthest gate from the security check point.  As they got closer, the husband saw a family of four huddled in front of the desk.  

Choose your preferred ending:  

Option A
As the husband, since he ran fastest, neared the desk, he heard the gate agent say, “Yes sir, I understand but if this group of four isn’t here in the next minute, I’ll release their seats and you all can board.”  Everyone heard the steps and heavy breathing of the man and turned toward him.  The family of four standing at the gate were downcast.  This must be the family they hoped wouldn’t show.  Their dream vacation, the trip they planned and saved for so long wouldn’t take place that day.  They children started crying as the man walked to the gate announcing his name and that his family was right behind him.  The agent, glancing quickly at the family in front of him and back to the man, nodded and said, “Your family needs to hurry.  I have to close the door so the flight can leave.”  

The man stepped back to the hallway calling, “Hurry, hurry, they want to close the doors!”

One by one, the remaining members of his family arrived and handed the boarding passes to the agent and walked into the jetway, breathless, sweating but immensely relieved.  The other family was filled with anguish and wordlessly pleaded with heaven at the injustice of it all.  

Option B

Finally, they heard the magical words, “Here are your boarding passes.  Hurry on board so we can get the plane out on time.”  

Immense relief filled the hearts of the family around the gate desk.  They got to their seats and after everyone was settled, the husband exhaled and squeezed his wife’s hand.  She relaxed and all was forgotten about her husband’s forgetfulness.  They made it.

The other family arrived at the gate only to see the plane backing away from the gate.  Inwardly, they pleaded with heaven at the injustice of it all.  

What is this all about? 

In life, sometimes blessing and calamity are two sides of the same coin.  A blessing for one person may be a curse for another.  As I get older, I’m learning I must be thankful for everything in life, even things I don’t like.  

Munich and Romania

This is the first of a multi-part series based on my observations from a recent Eastern European trip my wife and I took. In each I will sh...