You know by now that Chuck and I have a long history of traveling mishaps. He calls it a curse. On our recent trip to Aspen, even before we reached the gate to board our flight, we faced a problem … and it was entirely my fault.
We arrived at the Indy airport about 4:30 a.m. Chuck has a “be at the airport two hours before a flight” rule.
As we entered the Concourse B area, there was already a long line that had formed. The line snaked around six times before we reached the TSA agent. I got through – easy peasy. Then I heard the agent say to Chuck, “Sir, your reservation birthday does not match your driver’s license.”
My heart sank. He had to get out of the line and go back to the American Airlines desk to get it straightened out.
When I made the reservation, I clicked September instead of August. I felt a wave of guilt wash over me, and the tears threatened to spill from my eyes. I had inconvenienced my husband … big-time.
Chuck did not raise an eyebrow or his voice. He extended a kind word of reassurance that he would soon be back and meet me on the other side of the TSA check. He did not roll his eyes or give me any accusatory words. The agent did give him a cut-in-line card to go through the handicapped line. I was his handicap.
Dealing with the American Airlines agent took an extra 30 minutes. When he got through the TSA line, he could sense I was upset. I was sitting there with my carry-on and a lot of guilt. I kept apologizing as we made our way to the gate.
His two-hour rule covered the time it took to resolve the birthdate debacle. Have I mentioned that my husband is the kindest and most caring person I have ever met? He loves me, and that airport TSA fiasco proves it.
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love shows mercy.
The definition of “mercy” is a compassion or forbearance shown, especially to an offender. An act of mercy is also considered a blessing. Chuck Leonard is all about mercy when it comes to me.
A few days later, we talked about our airport episode, and I remembered a time when I showed mercy to Chuck. You see, he was trying to remove some steri-strips from an injury, and the doctor had told him to use vinegar mixed with water to help take them off. He mixed it in a plastic water bottle. You might guess where I’m going with this. Chuck uses water from the refrigerator. I drink from water bottles. Have you ever taken a big swig of vinegar? I have.
Mercy is a gift we share with those we love. When mercy isn’t given, resentment builds. When you keep a score of grievances, then love is diminished.
Regardless of when Janet THINKS he was born, we can all rest assured that Chuck and Homeland Security are now equally clear on his birthdate. (Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard)
Chuck and I are just two imperfect people doing our best to love each other well. We laugh a lot – not at each other, but with each other. Did you know laughter is good for the soul as well as the heart?
A bit of laughter and a lot of mercy are essential in a marriage. Patience is also an essential virtue when it comes to getting along and valuing each other.
If you find yourself criticizing your spouse … STOP. If you find yourself making fun of your spouse … STOP. Each time you do either of those, you are sabotaging your relationship.
We could all show a little more mercy when dealing with the mistakes of those we love. I will never forget the mercy Chuck showed me when I filled in the wrong information on his flight reservation. I will also never forget the taste of vinegar.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.