[let it go]

If there is one thing I experienced on my trip to Europe as well as in other travels, it is continuously learning that I am not in control.

Ever. Never ever.

I first realized this was a reoccurring lesson in my life when Haley and I left London. We made our way to the Blackfriars Station to go to Gatwick and spend the day in the countryside. Once we got to Blackfriars, the kind, frazzled man behind the counter informed us that the trains would be backed up until further notice due to flooding.
Cool, this would happen the day we planned to take a train.

But he advised us to go to Victoria Station, hop on the next train to Gatwick, and our tickets would work there as well. So after a couple tube rides we arrived at the Victoria Station to find complete chaos. Turns out every other traveller that day had the same idea we did, resulting in more crowded, delayed trains.
Wonderful.
We waited anxiously for 20 minutes until our train's platform number finally appeared on the screen. We ran for the gate, babbled our story to the ticket man to accept our Blackfriars tickets, and jumped on the train to Gatwick.
About 1 minute later the train pulled away from the platform. Success.

Scenarios like this are common with travel. I mean, where's the fun in everything going as planned? And it didn't even end there, the next day Haley and I spent 3 extra hours in the airport when our flight to Dublin was repeatedly delayed; it was a good time.

I quickly learned how unnecessary worrying and stress are when you experience delays, cancellations, bad weather, or other bumps in the road. It will get you no where.
There is beauty in those setbacks. They remind me that I am human and therefore I have no control. Even if I did have control I would probably find a way to screw it up anyways. Those moments remind me that God is the one in control, and He does not make mistakes. I know that sounds cheesy, but how often do we truly believe that? I think we all need this reminder every once in awhile.
So why should I worry? Or panic? Or get frustrated? Things are going to mess up, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.
In the end, Haley and I got to Dublin and the timing worked out. We were still able to see the town and meet some great people (more on that in the next blog post). Stressing about the flight would not have gotten us there any sooner.

All of that said, the next time you travel, see those unexpected setbacks as opportunities. There is freedom in accepting you have no control. So prepare yourself for the bumps in the road, learn something from them, and you will make it out in the end.