Day 1 of Summer Adventures

Delayed flights, standby tickets, and short-tempered gate attendants.

About an hour ago I took my last sip of McDonalds orange juice, said goodbye to my chauffeur (sometimes known as Tibbers, Boyfriend, or occasionally, Evan Thibodeau) and made my way into the jungle. I guess traveling wouldn't be the same without a few bumps in the path... but God is faithful. In the midst of the confusion and my own impatience, He let me overhear the phone conversation of Rachel Brown telling her husband how the Lord had just provided a way for her to fly home with him. The same booked flight that was about to cause me a three-hour wait in Sac-o-tomatoes International had just become a blessing to this woman and her small family. She saw the stress in my eyes as they met hers, and struck up a conversation, sharing how her traveling experiences as a military wife had taught her to trust in the Lord. I met her infant son, Barrett, which, combined with the meaning of his first name, Matthew, means "Bringing God's Gift to Others" (Barrett means "trader"). She encouraged me that God would provide a flight for me, as he had for them, and that they would be praying for me.

I was struck with her boldness and compassion. Here I was, at the beginning of the conversation unsure if I wanted to tell her that I was a Christian too (nervous, even!) And yet she spoke with confidence and joy, encouraging me in the Lord before she even knew I shared her faith! Why am I so concerned with what other people think of me? Why do I hesitate before speaking the name of Jesus in the very world that He created?

Lord, help me to be faithful to share Your love every minute of every day. Let me be ready and willing to speak of You at every opportunity. Thank You for providing me with a flight, as well as with a trying situation where You displayed Your faithfulness. Open my eyes to see You working in all situations - good or bad, exciting or mundane.