Watching People

I work at the airport which is a busy, crazy place with lots of interesting people and things going on around me. My job is very busy and I don't really have time to notice such things. But yesterday I was having a new hire fill out some paperwork outside of security so for about 10 mins I had nothing to do except people watch. I was sitting in terminal one right by the security check point. So there is a line of people to go in and also where people come out. Often you see groups with signs, cameras waiting, anxiously awaiting their loved ones to arrive. Anyway I observed two specific sscenarios that made an impression on me enough so that I wanted to write about it.

First, a family in line for security... a mom, dad and 4 kids. The youngest looked about 6. I was sitting about 25 feet away from them and the mom and dad were both yelling (screaming) at the yougest boy. Apparently he had left the bag that was supposed to be a carry on with the checked bags at the ticket counter. The boy was sobbing and the parents were both screaming at him. It made me so sad. Now, I don't want to seem like I am judging because I was absolutely not. I yell at Carter. I make him cry. And the times I have traveled with Carter have been very stressful especially those moments when you are trying to get to your flight on time, Traveling with 4 children must be quite a challenge. But as I was watching this I decided I don't want to yell. I mean I cry when i get yelled at! I am not one to make "resolutions" but I am going to this year, I want to be more patient and yell less.

It reminded me of this quote:

Now the second moment is happier. I saw a mom with 3 kids all decked out in Camo clothing obviously waiting for a soldier and I noticed that the kids were so adorable. Then I watched at that moment as he (the husband) walked out and saw his wife and the look on his face was completely priceless. And he ran to her and they held each other and it was so so sweet. I have seen a lot of soldiers coming home, but for some reason this one really touched me. I thought of how thankful they must be to be together for Christmas, and how much people take for granted being able to see their spouse, their children, their loved ones, every single day.

Then it was back to my busy, crazy day. But I was happy to have had a few minutes of reflection and think of these things I want to work on, treating my family with more kindness, and not taking for granted their daily presence in my life.