STATUS

What is having status?

We tend to go through life wanting some sort of status, to be recognized for something in life.

We come into this world as a person with nothing, as a child we are exposed to so much, people with so much, cars, clothes, money, homes and of course status. We daydream about what it would be like to have that kind of status, how wonderful it would be. 

As we grow into our teens and into adulthood we still think about having a status, whether it be a status with an airline, hotel chain and so many companies offer to give you a Gold or Elite status if you spend your money with them. 

One of my peers recently in the office, said he could hardly wait to get a status with a certain airline, he wants to be able to board the plane first.

I used to be part of that percentage of people who had to have the status, even having the status with your peers so they could look at you and wish they had what you had.

I had the top status at one time with three different airlines, allowing me to board first or get into their business lounges. I had status with several different hotel chains that you could check in at a different line and get maybe a free bottle of water or a cookie or an upgrade to a bigger room.

We tend to want to have a status of some sort, but is it really that important. Yes it is to be recognized by your peers for your accomplishments. But is it important to have those other statuses.

I thought I was special if I could board the plane first and be in my seat at the front of the plane as the others boarded and some would look at you with envy. But as time goes on, you realize it is not that important, If you boarded the plane first or last its not going to leave without you.

I recently stayed at a Hilton hotel, and I went down for breakfast. The sign said “wait to be seated”.

Soon I was greeted by a gentleman, he said good morning may I have your status please? I looked at him and said “pardon me”, he replied “can I have your status”? I didn’t answer, I thought its only breakfast and he looked at me with a look as if I was not all that important. He seated me and as I was eating my breakfast, he approached me. He said “why didn’t you tell me you were a gold member”?, I replied to him and said I didn’t think it was that important” , he said “oh it is though, if you would have told me your status you would have been seated over there”. As I looked over where he was pointing, the tables had white table clothes and a little vase of flowers on them. I looked back at him and said   “is the food different if I sat there”? he replied to be “No sir” and walked away.

So we go through life wanting to have a status of some sort and when we die will the good Lord ask you what your status is? I think not.

I had to learn a lot about this over the years and realizing that having a status is not what life is all about.

To me, today, I realize that FAMILY and having trusted friends is more important than having that status.

We must keep the faith and learn to be kind, and I am sure when we leave this world we will be greeted at those pearly gates with more than just a gold status.

Written by:

 Morton L Mitchell