I’m not usually late for appointments, but I must admit that, at times, I do cut it a bit too close…like last week.

Though I planned to arrive promptly for my 9:30 doctor’s appointment, several minutes seemed to evaporate and I found myself rushing in order to get there on time. Naturally, I had not calculated traffic into the equation, nor a wrong turn, which is why I found myself calling ahead to let them know I would be a few minutes late…seven to be exact.

After checking in and being escorted to the examination room, the nurse started with the blood pressure reading.  “Can you think of any reason why it’s a bit higher than usual?” the nurse asked.  Hmm…let…me… think…

“Well… I was running late and trying to navigate traffic with uncooperative motorists, does that count?” I asked, trying for humor.  The nurse chuckled as she moved on to another examination room, leaving me to my thoughts while I waited for the doctor.

It was in the quiet of this room that I started contemplating the real cost of running late, or barely on time. While I have found myself in this situation more times than I care to admit, I had never fully considered the condition of my spirit, let alone my state of presence when I rush.  I had always regarded it a success when I arrived at the ‘designated time.’  But was it really?

As I waited, my conscience started to make its presence known. I realized that rushing around leaves me no time to show appreciation or little kindnesses along the way.  Sitting in traffic earlier, I had turned a blind eye to the driver who had been patiently waiting for someone to let him into the flow of traffic.  Had I not been in such a hurry, I would have been that person. Searching for a parking space, I noticed an oncoming driver seeking one as well.  I quickly claimed the closest available space rather than graciously letting him have it because I’m late!  I’m late!  As I exited my car and dashed across the parking lot, I saw the elderly driver continuing his search…

Entering the building in haste, I did little more than acknowledge the two young ladies who greeted me at the door and pointed me in the right direction. I also did not truly “see” the young woman who greeted me as I walked into the doctor’s office.  What was bouncing around inside my head was:  I’m late! I’m late!  Sure we had an exchange. It culminated in my presenting her my insurance card and driver’s license, but nothing that signaled to her that I appreciated her and what she did.  It’s not that there needed to be a conversation of epic proportions.  It just would have been so much better if I had been present enough to regard her as an individual rather than as a cog in the wheel of a well-run office.

I concluded that those who always get places with time to spare rather than just “not late,” understand the lesson I’m now learning… that arriving a few minutes early is NOT a waste of time.  It allows me to show up in a peaceful manner that will be reflected not only in my blood pressure reading, but also in my interactions with everyone I meet along the way.  It seems some things take me longer to learn than it does others…

~Zanne

InSearchOfAuthenticity.com

© 2018 Zanne