Please excuse the noise!

Today I went to my scheduled massage appointment. I walked in and checked in like normal. As I sat down and waited for my name to be called. I quickly noticed  a couple upset clients at the counter. One lady was talking so loud it made me feel uncomfortable. I felt so bad for the girl behind the counter. She was so angry and I wasn't sure why! I noticed on the counter a small sign that read... Please excuse the noise. I didn't hear any noise... So I was clueless what was going on! Then I heard her say, "That was the worst experience I have ever had and I want my money back" The associate was trying so hard to validate her and calm her down but nothing worked. (I don't know about you but I always say a little prayer in those situations)

My name was then called and I went back for my massage. As I walked to the room, the therapist said, "I apologize ahead of time for the noise...There is construction going on next door and it is not your typical massage experience...So I am telling you now in case you would like to reschedule"

I was thinking, how bad could it be?? Well, it actually was minimal for a moment so I figured since I am already here...lets just go for it! So I get all prepared and the therapist comes in and begins the massage. All of a sudden I hear a jackhammer and about 20 different people hammering at different times and saws and metal and banging... almost enough noise to make it comical! The therapist said, the offer is still on the table if you would like to reschedule. I thought for a moment and decided I would just go for it! I just said turn the music up as loud as it goes.

The massage begins and the noise only got louder and more consistent. I could hardly relax and it truly was rather annoying!  So then I thought to myself what if I focus my attention on the music and the massage and try to  tune out the construction noise. I tried and I immediately hear a jackhammer begin...I try again and I hear banging  louder than at first! But I had already made a decision to stay so I just dealt with it.

I laid there and continued to focus on the music and the coolest thing happened... When I let go and chose to relax anyway (no matter how noisy it was) and chose to tune into the music instead of the construction noise the hammering noise phased out and the music seemed louder. I focused on the massage and enjoyed every minute of it! I realized that I actually was enjoying the massage more than normal.

I couldn't help but think about the world we live in and how there is so much noise. So many things that are pounding and banging for our attention. So many things going on and we cant seem to feel the peace and quiet that we desire. We want all the bad to go away and don't want to have to endure the hard.

But actually what I realized was that I couldn't make the noise go away. I could either check out or endure it. Since I chose to endure it... I learned a valuable lesson! Isn't that how life is too! Even though we have to endure hard things we always learn valuable lessons that make us stronger than we were before.

Every single day we hear of more and more "noise" that we can't make go away. But we have a choice to check out or endure it and make the best of it! With the construction noise full blast today I learned that focusing my mind and attention on the better part (which today was the massage and the music) that the bad part just kinda crept away. Still there... but  did not affect me! In fact, it was one of the best massages I have had.

And now the best part... I walk out to the counter, and the same girl that was getting chewed out by the upset lady before I went in asked me how my massage went. I told her that it was wonderful! She looked at me with a crazy face...she was not expecting that response at all. She smiles and says you are the first person to say that! I said well it was a bit noisy but I just focused on the music and it was wonderful! The manager was right there and comes over and does something on the computer. She says mam..he just gave you a free massage!

Another reminder that the reward is after you endure!

Find JOY amongst the noise and
seek the GOOD no matter what!