A few weeks ago, the Performance Marketing team I lead at Gateway Chapel planned our first in-person team bonding event. This is after almost a year of working together.

It would take me about 2.5 hours to get to our meeting point so I set out early.

The only drama that morning was when Idara (my wife) reminded me that my clothes can disappear – LOL. It is a gentle reminder when I ‘mistakenly’ tried on a top she doesn’t like.

If you insist on wearing this top you may not find it when you come back. She didn’t say it, but her eyes, the way she tilted her head and pouted her lips did.

That turned out to be the opening scene of a slow-burning drama for the day.

I sat in the stationary train for 15 minutes before the operator informed us that we were at a red light, and would be moving shortly.

Another 15 minutes later. “This train is no longer in service. All passengers must leave the train immediately”

This station is a single-track station. Only one train can come or leave at a time and it is a 7-minute ride to the main station with more connections.

I was stuck.

I got off the train, jumped into a taxi and headed to the main station.

That’s when I saw the real drama. Apparently, the problem was at the main station. It had been evacuated due to a security scare and sniffer dogs were present with police officers.

Why didn’t the operator from the small station tell us the real situation and save me the taxi cost?

But, a few minutes later, we received the good news that the station would re-open. Not long after that, a fast train arrived at the main station and I got to the event on time.

Looking back, I’m grateful to God that I showed up at the main station because I would have cancelled the trip, and missed the memories, fun, food and fellowship.

Showing up puts a spring in your step because it forces you to take action.