I am thrilled to have Lance Ekum from Jungle of Life guest post today! How many times have you gotten on the elevator only to get off on the wrong floor? How many times have you started off in a direction and realized “this isn’t where I want to be going?” Read and enjoy!
©photo credit: bogenfreund
“If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster” ~ Stephen R. Covey
Today I take you back several years, back to the summer of 2000. My family and I were vacationing in Washington, D.C. As luck would have it, we found an amazing deal on a hotel right downtown. Bright lights, big city! What a great place to keep us close to visiting some of the historic and treasured landmarks in this storied place!
Our trip was wonderful (although short), and the time came for us to leave. We packed up our bags, and headed for the elevator, my wife, Lora, and I – three kids in tow. I had all our luggage. Lora had our youngest son (he was a bit over one year old), and the other two kiddos each had a little backpack of their own. We pressed the button, and the elevator soon arrived. This was the biggest, nicest, most gorgeous elevator we had ever ridden. I think we could have fit a small army in there! Mirrors on all sides. A large comfy bench in the back to sit down on. Ooh, that bench. How could two small kids pass that up? They were there…instantly!
And down the elevator went. The doors opened on the ground floor. Lora stepped off (baby in tow). I stepped out with all our luggage. Our older son, Jakob, came running out. We started to walk toward the front desk.
As the doors to the elevator were closing, Jakob said words that immediately haunted us.
“What about Bekah?”
She was still on that bench, in the back of the elevator. Frantically, we pressed the button to see if the door would open. Gone!
Great big elevator. Great big city.
And then we heard it. Screams. As the elevator went up. Lora handed me the baby, and headed for the stairs. I think she followed the screams, because she stopped at the fourth floor, and two gentlemen were waiting for the elevator. They could tell. A mother without her child! They told her the doors opened, and all they saw was a screaming little girl. There was no way they were getting on.
Luckily, the elevator returned to the ground floor. I was there to greet a screaming, crying three year old girl. Relief!
Life and The Directions We Go
Have you ever been going up, and just felt that even though you were going in an upward direction, that it really might not be the right direction?
Listen to your heart. “Up” is only right if it aligns with who you are and what really matters to you. Life is fleeting. Choose your life elevators with care. And if you happen to get on one that’s not the right one for you, remember that you can always get off, and choose another.
Live abundantly in this amazing life journey you are on!
42 Comments
February 3, 2010 at 5:00 AM
Hi Peggy and Lance,
I love how you tied your experience into the story of life. And you’re right. We can choose which elevator we get into and we can choose when to get off. Ideally life means we’re always going in an upward direction, however there are times we need to step off, reevaluate, and make adjustments before we continue on our journey.
Or in your case, go back and retrieve a child.
February 3, 2010 at 5:42 AM
[...] In the piece I share today, I touch upon a personal story from a time when I was deeply grateful for an elevator returning back to the ground floor. Please join me, in Going Up. [...]
February 3, 2010 at 5:55 AM
Peggy,
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share this story here on your site. It’s an honor to be here!
Barbara,
Hi Barbara. Right. Up is a great direction to be going in…except when it’s not. And that when it’s a good idea to stop and evaluate what really matters. And then choose a different path (elevator) if that is necessary. And…I’m sure the whole hotel was glad we retrieved that screaming child….
February 3, 2010 at 8:31 AM
Lance,
It’s such an honor to have you here on Serendipity Smiles! I LOVED your article!! Thank you so very much! Peggy
February 3, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Hi Lance
Oh my God, how powerful was that ending!!! Yes, up is only right if it resonates with us. Sometimes staying at ground level is exactly where we need to be, and if we push ourselves in any other direction we only find discomfort.
This was such an amazing story – in the end I am glad all turned out okay
Thanks Peggy for having Lance!
February 3, 2010 at 11:14 AM
You are so welcome Evita! I love hosting Lance – he’s such a an awesome guest
February 3, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Hi Evita,
In the end, it all turned out okay, although…surprise, surprise…we have a girl in our house who yet to this day is not a big fan of elevators. (the stairs are good for us, though, right!)
I wonder how often we (the collective ‘we’) are in that wrong elevator, and don’t even realize it, or don’t take the time to really listen to that voice deep in our heart. And that’s a voice so worth listening to…
It’s great to see you here Evita!
February 3, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Hi Peggy! Well a WONderful guest today – Mr. UP himself! I love it! I seriously think of the word UP every time Lance comes into my head!
And hi Lance! As I read your story, I remember when my daughter was also “stuck” in an elevator in Springfield, Illinois when we were on vacation too! Ghastly experience for her AND us!
Oh boy, elevators! There were times I think I got on the right one but was afraid to press the button, rather leaving the destination floor to chance. Other times I’d courageously press Penthouse and then be annoyed at all the darn stops, like every stinkin’ floor, the elevator would stop on – delaying my UP! Yep, great metaphor Lance! You’d be the King of Metaphor!
Thank you SOOO much for all your UPness!
Hugs (to you BOTH!)
suZen
February 3, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Hi SuZen,
Lance IS a fabulous guest!! I love his UPness too!!
February 3, 2010 at 5:30 PM
Hi Suzen,
Mr. UP!! I could get used that!! You are way too nice to me! (I’ll take it, though!! ) (thank YOU!!!!)
Yes, those minutes seem like hours when you have a lost child. We also lost this same little girl in a state park when she was about five years old. Probably the scariest moments of my life. All of a sudden, that park seemed like it was the size of California, and filled with dark scary spaces all over the place.
And I love your thoughts on the elevator metaphor. Sometimes what seems right can have a lot of stops to get to where we want to go…and is it worth all of that? Only we can decide. And if we’re deciding with our heart, we’re making the right decisions for us.
Hugs and happy rides to you!
February 3, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Hi Peggy and Lance,
What a wonderful guest blogger and what a wonderful post!
The more I think about the art of living, the more I realize the power of choice and the realization that it is never too late to change direction. Often people think that there are these set standards in life and that we have to adhere to them. That is such an illusion. Life is constantly in motion and we can choose how we want things to be.
If something does not work, simply get off the elevator! I love the symbolism!
Love and hugs to you both! Keep on smiling!
February 3, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Hi Nadia,
And that’s it…choice…something we all have…and something we all do. Even when that choice is to stick with the status quo, that’s a choice we are making. Life is what we make it…I know how well you know that Nadia, and it’s so good to see.
Love and hugs to you too!
February 3, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Hi Peggy and Lance .. love the snow covered cherry blossom pic! Ooooh .. and you’ve survived 16 years of marriage .. poor little thing – she must have been terrified – thank goodness she didn’t go to the 102nd floor right off .. otherwise you might still be hunting Lori. How ghastly – for a few brief moments – but enough time to have a few heart attacks etc ..
Thank goodness you’re here to tell the tale to us .. not funny that – I’ve never fancied being stuck in a lift .. might be ok if it was big .. but if not – no thank you.
Glad all’s well that ends well .. Hilary
February 3, 2010 at 5:37 PM
Hi Hilary,
Yes, I’m pretty sure Bekah was terrified (as were her parents at that moment!). I know, luckily the elevator only went up a few floors, as the hotel was really quite big. For some time after that, she clung pretty close to us (hmmm…I wonder why?!?!?). Today, she’s a normal kid, though, so she (and us) survived!
February 3, 2010 at 1:55 PM
Thanks for hosting Lance, Peggy. I know how difficult that can be at times. Ha! Seriously, could he make it any easier as a guest? I’m really into choices right now Lance, so I love the last bit about choosing a different elevator if necessary. What a great story you’ve got to tie in. Thanks as always, for sharing.
February 3, 2010 at 3:25 PM
He’s like the best guest!
February 3, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Hey Audra,
I’m having an “Easy” button installed here at home (we’ll see how well THAT works!).
Choices. We all make them. Even when we don’t, that’s still a choice. I’m glad you chose to come here today, Audra…it’s always great to hear from you!
February 3, 2010 at 2:08 PM
Great article! I’m on my way “up” in an area of my life right now, and I’m trying to decide if that’s where I want to go. This provides some food for thought!
February 3, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Hey Ms. Adrenalynn,
I love that name, by the way! Long for…yep, I know, Lynn. Adrenalynn…just sounds so awesome, though (great name choice!!!).
Yes, that’s it. Is it the right “up” for you? And something only you can truly decide… Best to you in the decisions in your heart…
February 3, 2010 at 3:06 PM
What a beautiful life lesson you’ve shared here today. Thank you, Lance, and thank you, Peggy!
First of all, I can’t imagine the panic you must have felt as Bekah was closed off to you, behind the doors of a moving elevator! Egads… It’s enough to stop a heart. I think anyone who has watched or had small children has experienced that. No good!
Luckily it ended well, and showcases a fantastic lesson that I really resonate with. Your message that we don’t have to do ANYTHING in life that we don’t want to — that’s what I’m subscribing more and more to these days. If it feels right, I do it. If not, I (usually) don’t.
My heart always knows what’s best.
Much love to you, Lance, and to you, Peggy!
February 3, 2010 at 5:47 PM
Hi Megan,
There was definitely panic. Luckily it wasn’t too crowded or chaotic when we were leaving. And luckily Bekah stayed on the elevator when it stopped on the fourth floor. (although I don’t think she was sitting on the bench anymore…). And then to think, we lost her a couple of years later at a great big state park – scariest moment of my life. In an instant the park became so big and trails went everywhere. (and both moments I am sure brought a few extra grey hairs!)
Megan, how you are choosing to live your life really is an example to others…in following your heart. And living life on your terms. And that is so good to see! Love and hugs to you!
February 3, 2010 at 3:41 PM
I would have loved to seen Bekah’s face when she came back down and the door’s opened to her parents standing there. What a beautiful sight that must have been.
Great guest post!
I love the idea of stepping back and reflecting on where we are going on this fantastic ride. We should take some time every day to appreciate and readjust our lives.
February 3, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Hi Karl,
You know, I don’t even remember what the look was on her face. I do remember there was this huge sigh of relief for me, when I saw her (or should I say heard her…which I did before the doors opened).
That’s a key point, that we take time to reflect. It’s when we do this, that we’ll more easily be able to know whether we’re going up in the direction we really desire.
February 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM
Wow, I know that was scary! Glad everything worked out well.
Thanks for visiting me on my SITS day!
February 3, 2010 at 10:35 PM
Hi Tonya,
Yes, it was definitely scary!! For us as parents, and for Bekah….alone on the elevator.
February 3, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Lance, you always amaze me!!! Peggy, thx for sharing Lance!
February 3, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Hi Jody,
Awww, thank you!! You are sweet…
February 3, 2010 at 5:47 PM
Hi Lance, hi Peggy.
Hmm, stopping when you are going upwards, even if the up is in the wrong direction?
That is hard.
I felt I was going upwards with my marriage to the wrong floor, but my elevator was going upwards to material wealth.
To push the stop button and get off WAS actually hard.
Loved the metaphor and the story, stories and metaphors certainly speak to me.
xox Wilma
February 3, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Hi Wilma,
Yes, that’s a great point. We can sometimes be going up a life elevator and it’s right in one sense, and wrong in another. And sometimes that means giving up one thing that seems good, to step away from another that is not so good. And that IS hard. I can imagine, though, that this decision for you is one that today you are quite happy with. And that does make it worth doing….
February 3, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Lance,
Powerful post. Then I read the comments and kept thinking there are some days I believe the elevator button is stuck. My mind heart says please not up, my mind says get off, but the door won’t open….I feel like a scene from a horror movie, you never know what will come through the ceiling, then I breathe and regroup, and boom the door opens….I let the Universe take over and always end up where I am supposed to be.
I cannot imagine the panic you all felt as the elevator doors closed. I think there is such love and trust in your family adventures that you all always know it will work out even if there are moments of distress.
Thank you for a powerful lesson!
February 3, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Hi Joy,
And isn’t that neat how life works out that way. How often have I been worried about something, only to eventually realize that it all takes care of itself. And even when it doesn’t go like I hope – worry is still not helping at all. Anyway, Joy, thank you for so candidly sharing a bit of your own experience. Know that I look at you and see calm and peace. Maybe that’s not how everyday feels to you (or maybe it is), just know, though, that you project a calmness that is comforting.
And yes, we did feel so much panic. A big city, right downtown, big hotel, unfamiliar with the whole area…and a child missing. Scary. And it seems like every family vacation ends up being some sort of adventure (hmmm….is that a sign?!?!?). Thanks so much for reading this today.
February 3, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Hi Peggy and Lance.
Lance, what a great metaphor to use for knowing when to quit, or rather, get off the elevator. Quitting (or changing course) is not seen as desirable in our society. You know the adage, “never, never, never, give up.” However, sometimes quitting can be the best action for you to take to allow the space for something bigger and better to enter.
Great post. Thanks!
February 3, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Hi Sami,
Right! A big part of our society, in general, is about getting ahead, climbing that corporate ladder, making a name for yourself, being all you can be. And that’s great…as long as that is truly what you want. And that’s the missing ingredient. The “heart” of the matter…
Thanks much for being here Sami!
February 3, 2010 at 8:39 PM
To everyone – I can’t tell you how pleased as punch I am to have had Lance guest post here today! And to all of you who stopped by to read his awesome article and comment – THANK YOU!
Blessings for a fabulous day!
(and Please stop by tomorrow for some cake…I’m celebrating post #200!)
February 3, 2010 at 11:53 PM
Hi Peggy!
Hi Lance!
Your story is perfect for the point you are making, as is that great quote by Stephen Covey! What I love about your point at the end is that no matter what path we are on, we can always, always get off and start anew. So many people will continue doing what doesn’t feel right just to “see it through” or because “so much time has already been invested” etc. etc. etc. but truly living according to your own heart’s wishes is so much better!
February 4, 2010 at 5:11 AM
Hi Jodi,
It’s not uncommon for it to take me a bit of time to find the “right” quote to go along with a story. Not the case with this one. I knew exactly what I wanted ot us (the Covey quote fits so well!). And this idea of “how much we’ve already invested” is a really great point. Even if we have a whole lot invested (time, money, etc) – still, if it’s not feeling “right”, it is very probably not going to get any better. And our heart isn’t just going to magically change it’s course to fit what we’re doing….
February 3, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Great post Lance! Wonderful to see you guest posting at Peggy’s lovely place.
As always, such resounding wisdom. I think sometimes my head was up (as in know-it-all egotism) and it was sure nice to deflate to normal level.
Poor little Bekah! Jason’s daughter is three, I can totally relate to that age and fear of things.
See you tomorrow Peggy!
February 4, 2010 at 5:18 AM
Hi Angelia,
It is great to be here on Peggy’s site! Yes, I think many of us (all, perhaps) have been at that place where our head was “knowing it all”. And to get back to our heart, that is what connects us to what matters.
That elevator moment was a traumatic one for Bekah. She’s always been the one to stay close to us, to double-check, triple-check, and quadruple-check that we’ll be there to pick her up from school functions, and she’s still not all that excited about taking the elevator…
It’s great to see you here today, thanks!
February 4, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Hi Lance & Peggy,
It’s pretty nice how you have brought that your own experience to give some food for thought to your readers. Well written indeed.
). Even I also have faced it. We suddenly realize that we are going up in a wrong elevator. We have to be aware of who we are and where we are belongs to be.
And about our life elevators, sometimes even grown up adults also have to face the incident which your little Bekah face(I’ve seen her on facebook and she is not small now
Thanks for the great post ! Have a nice day to both of you !
February 5, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Hi Vikum,
Right, our little Bekah isn’t so little anymore! In fact, she is taller than her mom, and not far behind her older brother!
Awareness is a real key – and when we take the time to stop and really listen to ourselves, that awareness can really give us some amazing insight.
February 4, 2010 at 7:39 PM
Great story Lance! I love the lesson that just because the elevator’s going “up” it doesn’t mean it’s right the right one, and we can always choose another path to go where we really want to go.
February 5, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Diane,
It’s choice we all have, right! Are we willing to make that choice, that’s the real question….