Airport Angels
Trust me. They're there. I've met many by admitting that sometimes I need to use a wheelchair. For instance, over the past month I met some airport angels when I flew to North Carolina for Thanksgiving. And three more when I flew to California for Christmas. Although, one of them was Luke, my grandson. But that's a story for another time.
Plus, wheelchair escorts are oten people from other countries. Sometimes, they may have held prestigious jobs in their countries of origin. But some left it all to provide a better world for their children. And so while they learn English, some take low-paying jobs, like pushing a wheelchair. Well, I say, "God bless you for your courage!" And their foreign accent nudges me to ask their names and tell their stories. And we're both blessed through the telling and sharing.
Recently, I met an angel at Laguardia. And per usual, while they wheel you from the plane into a terminal, they ask if you need to use the bathroom. So I wasn't surprised when asked, "You need baffroom?" To which I said, "Yes, thank you." So, he wheeled me to the women's restroom.
But then, he shocked me by stating, " You go baffroom. I watch." I didn't know whether to laugh or ask for a less curious driver! Well, he must've sensed that he said something amiss or I was struggling to leave the wheelchair. So, he lifted one side arm so I could swing out of the chair. Then added to my relief, "I watch, suitcase."
After I returned, he simply asked, "You hungry?" Well, I was. It was past lunchtime and I had a couple of hours before my next flight So I said, "I'd love something to eat." Well, he whipped me over to the food court and asked, "You have favorite?" I didn't, so I asked him, if he had a favorite? "Wendy's." So, off we went to Wendy's. I offered to buy lunch for him, but he said that he'd already eaten.
Well, the surprises kept coming. This airport angel walked up to the Wendy's cashier and flashed his employee badge.Then spoke three words, "She with me." And added, "She my guest." Then I received his employee discount. Sometimes we need reminders that we're not as alone as we feel. And so his "She with me," felt like it came from God's heart to mine.
So, my dear family and friends, thanks for your good company this past year. We all need an airport angel now and then. But it's also a special blessing to be tapped by God to be an angel to someone. So many of you have been that to me and others. But maybe you're reading this and wishing for God to whisper to you that you are not alone.
And so, I pray, that you will take this story as from God's heart to your heart. You're not alone. "She with me." "He my guest."
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Well, then maybe I wrtoe this because God knew that you would love it!, dear Marnie!
Stories matter because people matter. So thanks for taking the time to read this one. And,just maybe, it's a nudge for you to be one of God's angels today or whenever the opportunity shows up.
What a story- something I’ve learned this year- pay attention to people!
Well, dear Candy, that is one of yours gifts. You pay attention to people. And it's also why you were a perfect person to work at the welcome desk at Grace Chapel. You've been an angel to many people, including me and two of my Grand girls! May your New Year be blessed with God's healing and a dose of massive hope mixed with JOY.
Love hearing from you and remembering good times at EANE.
Wel, dear Emily, I love having a new person respond to this blog, as well as other family and friends who show up more often. Thank you for reminding me and others of the years we shared together at Congress in Boston, through EANE and now Vision New England events.
We have much for which to be grateful and to remain hopeful.
Thanks for sharing a sweet story and a giggle. I’m so happy you got to travel to a couple different places recently with such nice angels to assist.
Wishing you a New Year filled with good health and new adventures.
You're so welcome, dear Myrna. I'm happy you could get a "giggle" out of the story. I laughed about it after I realized it was the suitcase that would get watched! Life's full of mixed ad muddled messages, and we're wise to take a deep breath and not get too tangled up in the words, sometimes. And to remember that English is not easy to learn. Nor to speak. And words come laden with emotion and assumptions. But it's still best to listen and seek ways to connect with one another. So thank you for connecting with me by your response. It was a sweet gift.
There are other people who serve as angels and pull the best from us. Quickly, our pastor was working as an engineer and was in a local restaurant when a man approached him, asked him his name, said God was calling him into the ministry, and never was seen again by our now pastor of 20 years. If we believe our God is sovereign and supernatural, why are we surprised when He surprises us? Great story Jan and if I were an angel I would pick you as my subject and wheel you everywhere. :-)
Great story, my friend. I love those REAL angel stories. Mine are ordinary folks, touched by God's love and kindness, to pass it along. Most aren't aware they're doing anything special. Both angels matter. And, while most wouldn't consider you an angel, Jud and I know better. So doses God!!! Sending hugs, gratitude and love to you, Marty and your precious family. And prayers for a New Year full of hope, joy and signs of God at work in and through you. Angel on!
Dear Jan,
I enjoyed your story. It made me smile and also reminded me to ask God for opportunities to be angels to others. We all need angels sometime. You have a gift for writing that reminds me of your sweet mama. I still have her books and occasionally reread them for the godly wisdom contained in them.
Well, dear Carolyn, you are wise to reread Mama's books. They are full of wisdom and practical advice. For sure, you and Joe have been angels to many over the years. I love seeing your name show up. Thank you for the encouragement you game me. You are an angel!!
I also loved this post! Full of your wit and love and humor (are wit and humor the same thing?? :) ) Thank you for being an angel to your angels - I'm sure you blessed them as you do all you come in touch with. And ... I'm so glad that one angel just meant your suitcase - haha!
Me, too!!! There are angels all around, and they come for all around the world.