Traveller's prayer

Today was another one of those bittersweet days, when I closed the door on my house and on my family and headed off for yet another new-to-me place in the world. I'm attending a conference in Fort Collins, Colorado, and I'm writing this from a quiet hotel room.

I'm in for a few intense days of learning and discussion with some very smart people from a very large and successful global technology organization. It's a privilege to be here, and I will, as always, make the most out of my being here.

Yet it is during quiet times like this that I once again find myself pondering the why of business travel, and hope that this time away from my family helps me continue to build on my ability to move the bar ever higher. It's the least I can do to justify in my mind the fact that I'm losing three sleeps, three tuck-ins, three breakfasts...

A five-year-old, after all, don't always understand why Daddy isn't there to help him get his jammies on. Concepts like providing and striving for a better standard of living are still beyond his grasp. And if I have it my way, he'll be blissfully unaware for a long time to come.

When I first got here, I noticed this on my bed. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen in a hotel before. And once I looked past the overtly religious overtones, I rather appreciated the sentiment, as it speaks to these thoughts that have been bouncing through my head all day. Here's what it says:

To Our Guests

In ancient times there was a prayer for

"The Stranger within our gates"

Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people,
And not solely a money making organization,
we hope that God will grant you peace and rest
while you are under our roof.

May this room and hotel be your "second" home.
May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams.
Even though we may not get to know you,
we hope that you will be comfortable and happy
as if you were in your own house.

May the business that brought you our way prosper.
May ever call you make and every message you receive add to
your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We are all tralevers.
From "birth till death" we travel between eternities.
May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society,
helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those
who know and love you best.

Your turn: As I write this, word has come out of a major plane crash in the Black Sea. I've always been a confident flyer, but when the same type of plane (Airbus A320) that you've just flown - and that will carry you home in a few days - goes down, it gets you thinking about how unfair life can be sometimes. Please hold the victims of that tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.