We walked into the terminal around 8am at the Wichita airport and we were the only passengers in sight. We went through security, just Courtney and I, and walked toward Chick-fil-A (because, of course).
We were supposed to fly out of Wichita that morning, but we had no idea how interrupted our schedule would become. Our flight was delayed, so we had to wait for the afternoon.
We knew we would miss our connecting flight, but maybe we would get to the FEC retreat just a few hours late. Since we had no place to go, we sat and read. Then the moment came to board our plane. We sit in our “be-thankful-for-what-you-get” seats, and wait. And we wait some more. Then we wait just a little while longer.
We sat on our plane for two hours before we disembarked due to our airline’s complete shutdown (which ended up lasting for five days). None of it was going to plan… or, at least, our plan.
Toward the end of Monday, we knew our flight was canceled and we had no hope of making it to our retreat in time. We would miss a whole day and a half.
Do you ever get discouraged when expectations and plans get altered and delayed? Of course you do. It’s disappointing.
Yet, we had resolve and hope. God was aware of what this trip would be like, so we trusted Him.
The next day, we head back to the airport, only to sit slouched in our chair because of further delays. I began to wonder if God really wanted us to go. Lunchtime came around, and I began to pray for God’s purpose in the waiting.
“Is there ANYBODY You want me to talk with? Let me join You in some encounter... please.”
I knew God always had a plan for our waiting, no matter what the reason.
As I passed by the gate counter, I saw Mike. We saw him the day before, so I knew he was in our same predicament. But Mike wasn’t flying for business or pleasure. Mike was on his way to donate his kidney to his son’s war buddy. He looked tired. He looked defeated. He looked worried.
So I decided to take my own detour. I walked up to Mike and asked if I could pray for him.
“I don’t know if you’re a person of faith, but would you mind if I prayed for you?”
He obliged, I put my hand on his shoulder, and I prayed for God to step into the situation and help. I don’t remember my words, but as soon as I said “Amen,” God opened Mike’s heart to share with me.
Here’s Mike on the right:
Turns out, Mike comes by Newton every once in a while to visit a friend (what a weird “coincidence,” huh?). We even talked about meeting at Norm’s and having coffee.
I never wanted to spend an extra day in the airport, and I really didn’t want to miss a whole day of our retreat. But if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have connected with Mike, and maybe that was a more important connection than the one we were trying to make at the Dallas airport.
See you guys on Sunday morning, and I hope you come to The Heart of Grace at 4pm in the Worship Center.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jack