By Brenda Black
My head was splitting from the moment
my feet hit the floor. Headaches and travel do not marry well and the
itinerary didn't include time for divorce. My travel companion, for
better or worse and a good thousand miles was to be an excruciatingly
bad migraine.
Two hours on the road and the first
leg of the journey merged into a baggage check then getting the
once-over from a TSA agent who obviously graduated from a training
class on face recognition or possibly a staring contest. No bomb in
the shoes. No liquid in the bag, no wire under the bra, but I still
had the headache. Maybe an overpriced cold turkey sandwich and
liquid gold in the form of bottled water would ease the pain before
take off. I bid my hubby adieu and assured him I'd be fine, even
though I wanted to cry.
I found a place near the window with
my gate in sight and a clear view of the luggage ramp. At first I was
thrilled to see my bags the first up the conveyor belt, but struggled
to interpret the conversation and gestures as each employee paid
special attention to my two parcels. By the time I boarded behind
wheel chairs, babies, business class and two rounds of ticket
holders, the plane was nearly full and available seats scattered and
sparse. In spite of the headache, I entered the plane with a smile to
match the
Southwest greeting that welcomed me aboard. Then the long,
agonizing walk down the aisle ensued. It's a game of looking for the
best prospect. Who looks inviting and who looks like they don't want
you near them? I found a kind looking couple in the first third of
the plane. He had long legs and preferred the aisle seat, she sat
near him selecting the middle. That left the window -- my favorite
spot. Only the awkward crawl across two strangers to get there and I
could rest.
Our conversation was brief and
cordial, a generic ice breaker at best. Half way across the wide
horizon, a single sneeze broke the lingering silence. And that kind
blonde to my right offered a sincere "Bless you."
It was enough to give me hope. All I
needed was courage to ask for something more. My heart pounded with
equal intensity to the throbbing in my head. I questioned what God
was pressing me to do and nearly convinced myself to not risk it. But
He wouldn't leave me alone, so I finally ventured: "May I ask
you a personal question? When you blessed me earlier, was that
evidence of your belief in prayer and in the power of Jesus Christ?"
When she answered with a quick and certain "Yes,"I dared
the next request: "Would you please pray for me. My head is
splitting and it's getting worse."
Two strangers sat elbow to elbow and
silently we joined hearts and sent thoughts heavenward. Knowing that
she was covering me, I prayed for whatever measure of faith she had
that it be increased. I asked the Lord to bless her and His touch on
me would do a greater work in her. I honestly felt that was more
important than my own relief! The pain diminished and a sneeze and a
prayer later, I knew the Lord was up to something special -- He is
always at work! I'm thankful my discomfort compelled me to reach out
and I believe if the Lord helped me, He surely touched her as well.
For the remainder of the trip, we
talked off and on and found many things in common. By the time
hundreds emptied the plane, among them left my new sister in Christ.
Then I figured out why so much
conversation surrounded my suitcases. I was the sole passenger
remaining aboard for the next destination and those bags were
commissioned to a special place in the belly of the plane.
I was alone only a matter of minutes
until the plane filled again. This time I watched as one by one they
loaded, and among the final ticket holders, God delivered another
delightful Christian lady. We praised God for the next short 45
minute journey. I never sneezed but she still blessed me and I her
when we parted company!
I met two living for the One while way
up and away in the sky. A big headache and a little "achoo"
are no match for blessing and a prayer and the body of Christ!
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