When traveling to a conference recently, I realized, as I always do when traveling, how many things can go wrong. Such as:
Getting there
1.) The car taking me to the airport doesn’t show up.
2,) I don’t arrive at the airport on time.
3.) I accidentally pack something in my suitcase that sets off the airport security alarm.
4.) My flight is delayed.
5.) I miss my flight because of my own error.
6.) My flight is cancelled.
Arrival
1.) My suitcase got lost.
2.) The hotel doesn’t have my room ready so I have to wander aimlessly in the lobby for an hour.
Unpacking
1.) I forgot a critical toiletry or clothing item.
2.) My phone charger is still on the breakfast nook table.
3.) My workshop papers are still on my desk.
4.) Shampoo spilled everywhere, ruining much of my wardrobe.
On site
1.) Though the food is awesome, for some reason, eating sets off a terrible illness.
2.) Seasonal allergies kick in.
3.) Through a comedy of errors, I fail to appear on a panel or at a meeting.
4.) I manage to feel like an idiot at some point.
5.) During an appointment, I make someone cry.
6.) Someone else tells me off in front of several other people at the closing banquet because I rejected her work at our appointment.
7.) The shoes that felt like walking on pillows at the store are now cutting into both feet.
8.) This outfit doesn’t look as good as I thought it would when I packed it.
This is quite a list, isn’t it? However, most of these things have not happened to me, and certainly not all on the same trip. So while it’s easy to be anxious, the Bible tells us to be anxious about nothing. All of these mishaps can be overcome.
Next time I’ll offer ideas on how.
Your Turn:
What mishaps have happened to you on travel? How did you cope?
What is your favorite conference to attend?
