By Wally Amos

Acceptance

How many times have you allowed a situation to get totally out of control that you could have changed by accepting what was happening but failed to do so? Let me give you an example.

After traveling non-stop for five weeks, I arrive at 5:35 a.m., at the Madison, Wisc. airport to board a 6:30 a.m. flight for Chicago on the first leg of a three-leg trip home to Hawaii. I show my ID. After a while, the agent asks if I have a paper ticket; my first clue that I’ve got a problem. I have flown almost 30 legs with electronic tickets, why would I have a paper ticket now? She checks further and advises that my reservation is in the computer, however, the e-ticket was voided April 18, 20 minutes after it was issued. She further advises that the computer cannot issue me a boarding pass because it does not have an e-ticket authorization.

At this point, I remember that the day’s message from the Daily Word is, Let Go, Let God. It’s now 5:55 a.m., and the agent goes in the backroom, which is a sign of serious problems. After three or four minutes she returns, makes a phone call, plays with the computer some more and advises that the only way I can get a ticket is to pay the original fare. It’s now about 6:08 a.m. and without hesitation, I rip out my wallet.

There was a time when I would have argued that they were wrong and I would have missed my flight. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the quote from the Prayer of Serenity, “Lord, grant me the wisdom to change the things I can and accept those I cannot.” Acceptance is a great asset. You can’t even begin to change a situation until you’ve accepted it. Then, you can focus on how you can create the results that will help you achieve your goal. Acceptance gives you peace of mind. When you can’t change it, accept it.

    Wally Amos lives in Lanikai. Amos is best known as the creator of the “Famous Amos” brand of chocolate chip cookie. In Kailua, Wally and Christine Amos are opening a retail store for “Chip & Cookie,” the literacy dolls and family reading program they created. Visit www.chipandcookie.com.