When our kids were growing up we took as many family vacations as time and money would allow. We had to be creative most of the time to make a trip happen, but the results were always worth the process.

One vacation we put together was like assembling a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. After flying in on three different airlines frequent flyer mileage programs and buy-one-get-one deals we gathered at a Denny's restaurant in Seattle.

Everyone was tired and hungry and at the end of their patience. After ordering we just tried to not bite each other's heads off or fall asleep at the table. Being in a public place helped keep some emotions in check and for that I was grateful.

Not long after we had ordered, the hostess seated another family at the table next to us. Two boys, a little girl, and mom and dad made up a family just like ours. We exchanged smiles and hellos. About ten minutes later we were all shocked when the mom at the next table jumped up knocking her chair completely over screaming, "You idiot!!" The entire restaurant got quiet and everyone turned around to make sure the enraged woman was not coming his or her way.

All the commotion was over her son spilling his orange juice. Jason, who was probably ten at the time, leaned over to Jim and calmly said, "I think she is the idiot. It was an accident and she is the one that made a fool of herself." Obviously being in a public place hadn't motivated her to not share her raw emotions.

We all need to slow down, breathe, and "count to 10" before we respond. Knee-jerk reactions get us into so much trouble and sometimes cause relationship damage that takes years to repair. James 1:19 says: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger." How can something that sounds so simple be so hard? It takes a conscious effort and the scene from Denny's is a constant reminder to me.

How does the commercial go …

Airline ticket to Seattle: 25,000 frequent flyer miles.
Dinner for five at Denny's: $30.00.
Learning the value of delayed response: priceless.

© Copyright 2004 Smalley Relationship Center

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