Recently, I spent 5 hours at the airport waiting. You might immediately think "oh no!" But actually it was such a lovely experience. I had an opportunity to speak with so many people. I was in such a good place that I was able to actually enjoy the break. It was a mini holiday in itself really. You know, I actually think that people watching is one of the most interesting ways to spend time that you have to spare and circumstances allows.
I had a book with me, I had my my word search magazine - I love word search - I had my music. But for some reason I had a desire for human interaction one on one or even as an interested bystander, seeing people living. Human beings are just so diverse, so colourful, so interesting, so beautiful. Didn't our God do an awesome job when He made us?!
As you can imagine, being at an airport meant there was such a representation of the many nations and cultures of this world. But they all had one thing in common; that one thing was love. As friends and families greeted each other or said goodbye, one could almost touch the love that enveloped the atmosphere. "Parting is such sweet sorrow" as Shakespeare says and there is such joy in meeting after periods of separation! People watching affords vicarious pleasure and pain. It also gave me the chance to pray for so many people as I had the privilege to share, albeit remotely, in a few moments of their lives.
During my five hours I was also fortunate to chat one on one with some very interesting individuals. I was even more fortunate that they shared their life stories and we had the chance to talk about the mercies and the favour of the Almighty. One gentleman was Jewish and became a christian when he met and fell in love with a christian woman. He accepted Jesus as his Saviour and 20 plus years later is still rejoicing in his salvation. His children are growing up in Christ and they have been on several mission trips to developing nations including Jamaica. Wow!!
I met a man of God, a pastor who has a ministry that involves running a Bible College, training workers for the Kingdom. Our conversation brought confirmation on a major issue that I was interceding with God about. In that place at that particular time, God knew what I needed and He provided the right person to pour into my spirit. Glory to God!
I shared some good laughs and discussed some observations that raised questions of national security and by implication personal safety with a couple waiting to meet relatives. We live in very uncertain times and people are scared. Scared it seems of almost everything. Scared for their future, their family, their faith in man and God. But the word of God exhorts us not to be afraid but rather to place all our trust in the Lord who is able to keep us through it all. I was blessed to be a blessing to this couple.
It was good to be able to take time out from myself. It was good to share the love of Christ. It was a blessing to meet the Lord in the people that came across my path. It was an honour to worship in this way, at that place; It was great to spend five hours at the International Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta - It was great because the Lord was there too!! Love your neighbour as you love yourselves and pray without ceasing for them even as you pray for you and your own!!
