Ever find yourself surrounded by tired, frustrated and grumpy people?  Welcome to the airport, folks.

I was in a sea of individuals shuffling through the line waiting for the bags to pass through security.  Things were moving slowly, with several individuals having difficulty understanding the directions of the officer doing the screenings.  Continually having to re-run bags and stop individuals for advanced pat downs, she was quite frustrated and being very short with passengers.

When I passed through, I happened to be the person randomly chosen to have my bag searched.  As she pulled it off the conveyor belt, she shouted, “This bag comes off – and it’s heavy.”  Ignoring the filter in my brain, I said, “Sorry – grandma’s in it.”  After a dramatic pause, she pointed to my bag and looked at her co-worker.  “You get to check this one,” she said.  At which time she burst into laughter and everyone in line smiled.  Tension relieved.  “Thanks, honey,” she said.  “I needed that today.”

One exchange.  That’s all it took.  Educators, as you dive into another adventure-filled year, remember that be it with a smile, word or gesture – with parents, kids or co-workers – your choices have power.  I pray you make the most of your behavioral exchanges, and thus leave a positive emotional wake in your path.

Have a great week.