I stole his seat

It occurred to me while traveling from our little village outside of Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Cambodia last week that I, along with many other Americans feel entitled. We especially feel entitled to something we purchase – whether it’s a product or service – that the product or service will meet our satisfaction and/or expectations.

“I stole his seat or rather my bag stole his seat!” I confessed to Laura, who sat beside me on the 6 hour bus ride.

I went on to explain that while we sat somewhat “comfortably” in seats, there were several men sitting on little stools in the aisle – most likely because our bags, 14 rather large packs, were taking up the entire last row of seats.

When we loaded the bus, we soon discovered the absence of cargo space underneath the bus. Without much hesitation, the driver loaded our packs onto the bus, which meant that several people would be without seats and would not be riding in the same level of “comfort” that we were enjoying.

I mentioned to Laura that it wouldn’t be uncommon for me to “rip someone up one side and down the other” if I paid for a seat on a bus and was instead given a tiny, plastic stool to sit on in the aisle of a crowded bus!

It appeared, however, that those who were given those little step stools, never complained. I, of course, don’t speak Khmer, so I don’t know for sure if an altercation took place, but it was almost as if they were glad to at least have some sort of transportation from Point A to Point B, no matter what that looked like. Their seating situation also required them to get off and on with each stop – still no apparent complaints.

I wondered to myself why I feel so entitled – why wouldn’t I gladly accept the stool and sit on that rather than complain.

Having worked in retail management for many years, I’ve often found myself on the receiving end of such a blow. For example, a customer purchased an item and soon discovered that this item doesn’t meet his or her expectation or satisfaction. That person then brings the item back to return, angrily explaining how poorly the product performed and how I HAVE to return it, whether it’s against the policy or not, with absolutely no respect for how I’m treated. What this person doesn’t understand is how treating me with respect makes me more inclined to help them.

There have been times, even after being on the receiving end, that I feel entitled to belittle someone out of shear frustration. I often take that frustration out on a salesperson or server, even though they have no control over the actual problem.

Seeing how those men happily took up a seat in the middle of the aisle, on a plastic stool, will make me think twice before I complain and pull the “entitlement” card again.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is being tested, your endurance has an opportunity to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4