What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day, and whatever you do, don’t let anybody steal your joy! Welcome back to Maryam’s Joyful Life. It is a beautiful day, and I am super excited to be here with you today for a little honest heart-to-heart.
Today, I want to share a moment of personal reflection about my character, patience, and how easy it is to let frustration get the best of us if we aren't watchful.
The Pre-K Pickup Routine
If you are a parent, you know the drill with school drop-offs and dismissals. At my kids' school, I pick them up through the Pre-K dismissal lane during the late pickup window. The rule is simple: you have to be in line by 3:30 PM. If you aren't there by then, the office calls your phone at 3:45 PM, and you have to park, walk inside, and sign all the paperwork to sign them out.
I understand the system and respect the rules. So far, I’ve only been late once—and that was because I got delayed while getting new tires installed on my truck. It took longer than expected, and even though I rushed over, it hit 3:45 PM, so I parked, went inside, signed them out, and took my babies home. No problem.
Because I don't like being inconvenienced or having to park and sign out, I make a conscious effort to arrive early every single day. Usually, the staff has the kids walking out right around 3:27 PM, and I'm sitting right there waiting for them to hop in.
The Moment the Fire Rose
The other day, I drove the car over early, expecting everything to run like clockwork.
3:27 PM came and went—no kids.
3:28 PM, the staff walked inside.
3:29 PM rolled around, and people were just looking at me.
By 3:31 PM, nothing was moving.
Suddenly, a wave of intense frustration washed over me. In my mind, I started calculating: If I had been late by even one minute, I’d be forced to go inside, do paperwork, and jump through hoops. But when I show up early, I’m left sitting here waiting!
Before I knew it, I hopped out of the car, marched straight up to the entrance door, knocked, and blurted out, "Where are my kids?"
Right as I knocked and the door opened, the staff was already leading the kids out. But inside, I felt like I was breathing smoke and fire. I was ready to argue. My face probably looked like pure thunder.
Looking in the Mirror: Choosing Grace Over Rage
I got back into the car with the kids, buckled everyone in, and took a deep breath. As the adrenaline cooled down, I looked in the mirror and had an honest conversation with myself:
Could I have been more patient? Just a little bit more patient to see what was happening instead of charging up to the door demandingly?
The truth was: Yes, I could have.
Two or three minutes of delay wasn't going to ruin my life, but charging up with anger could have easily ruined someone else's entire workday. Those teachers and staff members are working hard, managing countless children, and doing their best.
Our reactions have power. In any given moment, the energy we bring can either make someone’s day better or make it significantly worse.
Moving Forward With Intention
Starting today, I’m holding myself to a higher standard of grace:
Give grace for delays: If dismissal is running behind, pause, breathe, and extend the benefit of the doubt.
Watch the tone: If I ever need to step up to the door to ask a question, I will do it with calm words, a warm smile, and patience.
Guard your character: Never let an inconvenience turn you into someone you don't want to be.
Let’s choose kindness, even in uncomfortable and frustrating situations. Character isn't proven when everything goes smoothly—it’s proven in how we respond when things get delayed.
Have an amazing day, keep walking in love, and never let anyone steal your joy!
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