If you’ve been adulting for even just a short while, you know how frustrating it is to wait for service professionals—be it for a plumbing issue, an appliance repair, or even cable installation. First, you have to track down the right service person, book an appointment, and then endure the “arrival window,” which is often just a suggestion rather than a guarantee.
I’ve encountered this annoying scenario more times than I care to remember. However, a recent experience shifted my perspective entirely.
A few weeks ago, we arranged for some repairs after purchasing a new dishwasher that turned out to be incompatible with our aging pipes. The appointment was confirmed for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and I was eager to finally have a dishwasher after a week of washing every utensil by hand.
By around 4:30 p.m., I received the dreaded notification: the plumber was running behind. The new arrival window was pushed to 6-8 p.m. I thought, “No big deal.” I prepared dinner for my kids, kept myself busy, and looked forward to the moment I could finally stop scrubbing forks.
However, the “6-8” window morphed into an arrival at 11 p.m. Yes, eleven o’clock at night when he finally arrived to address our plumbing issue. Frustration brewed within me, and I was ready to unleash a tirade about how I wouldn’t be paying a bill for someone who was six hours late.
But then, everything changed when the plumber rushed in, clearly frazzled by his tardiness. He explained that he had been dealing with a major pipe issue in a low-income housing complex, about an hour away. He had one more job to complete after mine, hoping to earn some overtime to secure July 4th off to spend time with his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen all week.
His lateness wasn’t due to negligence or laziness; it stemmed from a commitment to fixing essential plumbing issues. Had he come to my house first, families might have been without running water while I got my dishwasher installed. He was working extra shifts to provide for his family and make it possible to enjoy a holiday with his daughter.
In that moment, I thought of my own father, who drove a truck and left home at 3 a.m. for work during much of my childhood. He often took on extra shifts to ensure our family had everything we needed. I reflected on how many times he may have faced an irate customer for being late, all while I cherished memories of July 4th celebrations with him, lighting sparklers and enjoying summer treats.
Despite my irritation, instead of letting my frustration boil over, I chose to express gratitude. I thanked him for his hard work and offered him a case of beer from our fridge to enjoy on his holiday.
The next time I feel the urge to vent when a service worker is late, I’ll pause and think about their situation. I hope that plumber had the chance to spend quality time with his daughter, experiencing a joyful July 4th filled with laughter and cherished moments, just as I did with my dad.
Our shared humanity relies on kindness and compassion. It’s crucial to show understanding to those working hard, especially as they strive to balance their professional responsibilities with family life. If you find yourself waiting longer than expected at a restaurant, remember to be patient with your server; it’s often not their fault that things are delayed. And when you encounter construction workers, a simple wave of appreciation can go a long way.
Let’s teach our children the value of kindness and grace. Imagine how much better our world could be if we chose compassion over frustration.
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Summary:
A late-arriving plumber taught me the importance of empathy and understanding for service workers. Instead of reacting with frustration, I chose gratitude and reflected on my father’s hard work. It’s a reminder to be kind and patient during inconvenient situations and to teach our children the same values.
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