Yes, a valuable lesson.
Coming back after so many years away from it I've worried over every little hiccup at the hive. Just before the Mesquite flow the hive was way low on stores and there was little brood -- so little that I thought the queen was dead! I started feeding, waiting, and they zoomed back.
There was a population explosion during the flow and heavy bearding during some hot days. All of a sudden the bearding stopped, there was little activity, and I thought they might have swarmed. If so then, waiting, I should not do an inspection.
Today there are many bees orienting and things look fine.
I often worry needlessly.