Unusual Delays

This is the season where lots of things are delayed – from Christmas packages and flights to middle school basketball games. Yup, there's a story...

It wasn't long after I stepped into the gymnasium for the 7th-grade boys game that I smelled burnt popcorn coming from the lobby concession stand. Not overpowering, but you know the scent, it's just annoying. I didn't give it much thought because once the game started, it got interesting.

And not just the score.

Before we even reached halftime, we had our first delay – a fan was ejected from the game. How does this happen at a 7th-grade game? I guess people are passionate. Just haven't witnessed it at a pre-teenage competition. Hmmm.

In the second half, we had another unusual delay...

Yup, the fire alarms went off in the middle of the 3rd period. After half the gym was evacuated, they started turning around and coming back in. The culprit? You guessed it – burnt popcorn!

And even though there was no danger, it took a few minutes of suffering through the annoying alarm noise before it was safe and quiet to resume play. Crazy, crazy. At least our boys won that one.

The other delay today is probably not that unusual but it ticks me off.

Last Monday I sent a small package to the kiddos in Raleigh. Part of it was a St. Lucia Day gift so I paid extra for two-day shipping. Guess when it arrived? Yup, you read that right – tonight! A full week later! I don't want to be that nagging customer who complains when it's clear they're overstressed and understaffed. Still... why the heck would they go to the East Coast by way of a mail center in Houston, Texas? Not kidding. I've been tracking this daily!

Sigh.

Just a reminder to focus on what we can control – and pray for patience on all the stuff we can't. It is the most wonderful time of the year after all. Right?!

Be careful out there!