Packing For Two

I arrived at airport security with my carry-on bag in tow. I was excited to fly on this new airline, Express Jet. I had heard good things: they give you actual food, they provide complimentary XM radio, and it's a straight through flight!

I placed my bag on the conveyor belt and walked through the scanner (minus shoes, belt, and personal effects). When I got to the other side, a security agent was standing there with my bag in hand, asking if it would be okay to go through my stuff (is "no" an acceptable answer?!?).

When we got over to the table, he started rifling through my bag and then pulled out my toiletries case (is there a better word for this?). He started pulling out toothpaste, shaving cream, hair gel, shampoo, etc. All the liquids. He turned to me and said, "You can't bring this with you because it's not in a ziplock bag."

"But I don't have a ziplock bag?!?" I exclaimed.

"We have them available at the front of the security gate. We can escort you back there and get you one and then you can travel through security again." That did not sound like a good idea to me (although I did consider setting up a ziplock bag stand right behind airport security...at $1 a bag, I could make a small fortune).

Another security agent came up from behind and said, "Or you can mail these items to yourself." My initial thought...and that is helpful information in what way?

Fortunately, I was traveling with my friend, Carey. He had already made it through security and was laughing at me (he said he was just smiling...but there were definite guffaws). I called him over and told him what was going on. He asked me if I wanted a stamp to mail my stuff. Not funny.

Then he reached inside his carry on and pulled out a ziplock bag. "Would this be helpful?"

Now I was smiling. Carey had saved the day. We placed my items in the baggie and I was set free to scope out the nearest mocha latte in the airport.

From this episode, I've discovered that I don't always carry everything I need in my own bag. But there are often times where I do have something that someone else needs.

What I was lacking, Carey had extra.

I think the same can be said of our learning and growing together. As we're journeying together, we will encounter areas where we just don't have what we need in our bag. But someone else does. And if they're willing to share, we can move further down the road.

So when I pack my bag for this year, I want to consider the following:
1) Be willing to give what I have away.
2) Journey with others so that I can benefit with what they have to offer.
3) Move from ownership of ideas to stewardship of ideas.
4) Help others overcome obstacles and ask for help when I encounter them.
5) Carry more ziplock bags with me.
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Tim Milburn is now a big fan of Express Jet. He writes at a couple of different places on the blogosphere. Developing student leaders over at studentlinc and helping college students succeed at College Students Rule!. He is currently developing a 30 module student leadership curriculum for those who work with student leaders at schools, churches, and civic organizations.

Comments

[Rosa Say]

I like your list Tim. A lot.
For me it reads like a list about a positive attitude and our optimism, and if we have those things we really can't go wrong.

Thank you for giving me this smile this last evening in January :)

[Ariane Benefit]

Tim, what a wonderful story! I love the way you made a deep learning moment out of a frustrating event. That ability is what makes you wiser from your experience.

Ever since reading Leo's manifesto on releasing copyright, I've been thinking a lot about my position on the subject and I love the way you wrote "Move from ownership of ideas to stewardship of ideas." What a beautiful goal...not only for ideas, but for everything we think we "own".

Thanks for sharing with us!

[tim]

@Rosa: I think you definitely need a positive attitude when you approach a learning opportunity. Negativity is a wall that's difficult to climb over.

@Ariane: Glad you liked the story (every bit of it is true). I am discovering how much fun and how much opportunity comes my way when I give things away. It is a paradox I wish I understood better.

[Rosa Say]

Ariane, that connection you made to Leo Babauta's copyright discussion really appeals to me as well - thank you for sharing that.

[Steve Sherlock]

Tim, good story. It is a hassle to fly now. I only wish someone would really get the TSA to take a more customer service approach than they do. It would make life a whole lot easier.