No cleaning birds in the bathtub.

     We have been on an extended family reunion circuit road trip with our family. Several weeks ago as we headed across the country,  George pulled into the designated stop for the night much to the horror of my teens. Alex promptly stated that this was a place for witness protection people. Ella said she was sure we would die. Let me note the pickings were slim in South Dakota for Hotels on our route, or excuse me motels, as Ella quickly corrected my usage of the terms. George had in his true to man way selected the lodgings based on breakfast reviews promising homemade cinnamon rolls. 

     But I digress. Back to the gravel parking lot and as we turned the key in the outdoor locks and the girls had to make the choice between entering or being dive-bombed by swarms of small bird size insects they followed us in. Ignoring Alex's advice that "this is why we should avoid a life of crime or you have to live in places like this", I was trying to be reassuring and positive while dubiously looking around myself.  I noted that the front cover of the hotel binder simply said "If you need help call 9-11".  Apparently we were skipping the front desk here! 

     I flipped the book open to find this:

Okay. My mind went full into panic mode. In what world did such a notice about bird cleaning even need to be stated!!?!? Various scenarios flashed through my mind from an eccentric old woman trying to bathe her canary to a full on cult running some kind of ceremony in the hotel bathroom. As I was debating how to get our money back or if I should get something to cover the bedding for us I took a deep breath and paused. The room was clean. 

What else? There was a fly swatter hanging on the wall. Gross, I thought. Then wait, there were currently 70 billion swarming insects just outside the door and I know how much of a night's sleep can be ruined by a pesky buzzing fly or mosquito. Okay, I can see this was meant to be helpful.        

     George came in and with a laugh at us all explained we were in a pheasant hunting area. Suddenly with just one tiny piece of knowledge my entire view shifted. I was suddenly the most ardent supporter of the bird rule. I would probably have made the sign more colorful and included graphics- well maybe not. But I certainly didn't want to use the shower after a pheasant had been gutted and I'm quite sure the proprietor didn't want to clean the mess up! 

     We've laughed about this story several times over the last couple of weeks but I keep falling back on the fact that with my incomplete knowledge of the situation my perspective and judgement were flawed and unfair. I wonder how often that happens in our lives with others each day. I wonder if pausing and seeking understanding can help me shift my thinking. Sometimes that understanding may not shift my view but it will at least build humanity. Oh, and the cinnamon rolls were excellent!