…On the Christmas Spirit!

Mi•ra•cle  |’mirikəl| = a highly improbable event.

Webster’s definition of a miracle as stated above is noteworthy. Those who are fortunate enough to acquire a winning lottery ticket often comment “it was a miracle”; as do those who win any type of prize.  Unfortunately, I cannot admit to ever winning anything!  I’ve never won at a slot machine nor the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes nor a drawing at the local market, not even a scratch off ticket!  Also, frequently the word “miracle” is associated with or attached to the meaning of Christmas. Most folks have probably experienced an event in their lives that they might label “a miracle” and if not, then they are hopeful of the promise of a miracle.  We often view miracles as one of the greatest gifts possible.

Recently upon my return home from a holiday weekend, as I reached into my backpack, my gut lurched and then went into overdrive as I realized I’d left my iPad on a United Arilines flight in the seat pocket of 27C.  Now some folks may at this point begin to shake their heads and roll their eyes and terms like idiot, forgetful bastard or dumb ass may come to mind and I can’t deny any of those.  However, at this juncture my mind is swirling with possibilities of how to get my iPad back.  Each phone call to United ended in frustration and I was repeatedly told no one had reported or turned in any such item and “don’t expect a miracle!”

When I spoke with my computer guru he informed me that there was no need for concern.  He could in fact render the iPad inoperable and no one would be able to use it. Of course, that was like hearing the Hallelujah Chorus for the first time!  We decided to wait one more day before deleting the system, maybe, just maybe someone would turn it in.

Two days later.  My iPhone rings.  “Hello, this is Joe Duty.”

“Mr. Duty, this is Ms. So & So.  I am a stewardess for United and recently worked a flight from Denver to DFW, which went on to San Francisco.  Upon arrival in SF, a woman who had been sitting in 27C brought me an iPad which she found in the seat pocket in front of her. My discovery revealed that you sat in that seat on the Denver to DFW leg and that was our first flight of the day.  I also noted that you were from Decatur and that rang a bell because I lived in Decatur at one time.  In fact, I purchased a Jack Russell Terrier from a woman in the Decatur area, Julie Duty, in about the year 1995.  I decided to make an effort to locate you rather than turn it into “Lost & Found” in SF because I believed you’d never see it again if I did that.  I’ve gone against company policy to do what I believe is the right thing to do and Merry Christmas to you!”

Heartfelt gratitude goes to the mysterious woman who sat in 27C, who chose a path of integrity and honesty and to the stewardess who chose to go with her heart and do what she believed was the right thing to do.  

I would really enjoy hearing about your personal life experience.  

When was the last time you received a miracle?

OR – When was the last time you did the “right thing”?