I was trying to leave ahead of the crowd. But something wasn’t cooperating.

That something was a button on the bottom of my folding table. In order for the table to fold, this button has to release the lock on the leg. Leg 1, easy. Leg 2, a problem.

“Fine. I’ll walk everything else out to my car and come back. Stupid button.”

Back at the table, button still not releasing, a lady approached.

“Is this your table?”

First thought, “She thinks I’m stealing a table.”

“Yes.”

“Good. I have a question about something you had on display.”

Her question was very personal. A family situation she needed some direction how to approach.

She seemed to walk away feeling supported and resourced.

I knelt back down to work some more on that stubborn button. Click. And Fold.

In that second frustration flipped to appreciation.

That stuck button delayed me long enough to ease someone’s mind, speak to their heart, and give a little peace.

Opportunity created by delay.