Yesterday was a great day! I stayed up most of the night before, preparing for my trip.
I had a few stops to make before getting to the airport, but I was running about 30 minutes off schedule because I had to return the car I was using the last few months (Thank you Pastors J&J)
On our way to the airport, I got a notification that the flight was delayed.
Delay number 1...
I checked my bags and then was able to take the car to through the car wash and just spend some much needed time with my trini sister, catching up and talking.
We headed to the terminal, said our goodbyes and then when I got to my gate, I thought I was right on time, to my dismay, the gate was still open but they had already given up my seat... No biggie.
Delay number 2.
I went to rebook my flight. The nice lady at the desk explained that there was no guarantee that I would make it on the flight but that I would be on standby. As I walked up to my next gate, a tall gentleman who I saw at the gate of the flight I just missed was Also on standby. He was very friendly, said hello, had a very strong "Spanish" accent but I wasn't sure where he was from so I asked. He said he was Mexican, I said wow you're so tall. He didn't go into much detail but explained he was half Israeli, It then made sense to me. Anyways we both made the flight and actually ended up sitting in the same row on opposite sides of the plane.
When we arrived i had about an hour and a half of a lay over so I decided to write. I was so engrossed with my writing and focused with the worship I was listening to waiting for my flight, that i missed it. Only to find out I was never waiting for a flight but a bus... I completely forgot that the bus ride was a part of my itinerary as I booked the flight so long ago... So I missed it again...
Delay number 3
I felt peace as I messaged my roommate who was waiting to pick me up and just sat there and chuckled at myself. As I stood in the line to have my ticket rebooked for the second time, there was a lady ahead of me Crystal and another behind me Jennifer who was on the phone really not happy. She started crying and Crystal explained to me that she missed her flight and that it was her wedding the next day. So we hugged her, loved on her as she waited in the phone while the agent was not very helpful. At this point Crystal and I were encouraging her to remind them that her wedding was the next day and that they had to get her out. She was in tears. Crystal and I holding her and her bags and stuff so she could drink some water. Eventually the agent said go to a certain gate and see if you can get in the line. I decided to run with her as she was so upset. As we ran the agent hung up on her. She was completely confused saying "I don't know if she's rebooked me. I really need my luggage to make the flight so my wedding dress is in there..." Thankfully I was able to call the the premier line and begged the gentleman to please help her. In his tone I could hear confusion, He said... So this has nothing to do with your reservation? I said I'm delayed but can you help me assist the lady in line with me? He said... So this has nothing to do with you I said yes sir humanity... kindness...
He then hesitantly started looking over her information and was able to reroute her so she could make it to Ireland 45 minutes before her wedding, not ideal but she'll make it...
I said Jennifer relax now, you're getting married tomorrow:) the relief on her face as we made jokes about how she should just put on her wedding dress and make up when she gets to London and fly that way.... We exchanged information. She was so happy and so was I! As I walked back to the service desk where Crystal was holding my spot. Turned out that the next bus was the next morning but the agent explained to me that I could take a different bus and that he would just help me that I would lose my return ticket.
As I walked downstairs to wait on the next bus I saw Victor, my tall Mexican Jewish friend and he said don't feel weird but I'm going to give you a hug, it's been a long day. So we hugged and then we sat down for about an hour sharing about his stay in South Africa, the different languages we spoke. We spoke about the meanings of certain Jewish words I was interested in, the differences in Christianity and Judaism as he was on his way to celebrate Rosha Hashanna (Jewish New Year) with his family. I just loved every minute sitting there outside of Dunkin' Donuts talking to him.
When I got on the bus at midnight I sat with all my thoughts thinking about each delay. How Amazing God is! If I didn't miss my bus after missing the first flight I would not have been standing in front of Jennifer in line to rebook our tickets and i would not have overheard her on the phone crying, I wouldn't have been able to call to help her...
I would not have met my new friend Victor.
If I was so consumed with getting to where I needed to be in my time, I would have missed out on being a blessing to others in my delay...
God is orchestrating our every move, even in the delays of life. If we would just be present in the delays as we are in the good and busy times, we would find hidden blessings or moments to be a blessing to others. As we wait in Transit let us be aware that God is never absent or fazed by our waiting in fact he strengthens and rejuvenates is in waiting. As I start out this new season of fall, this new month of October I'm grateful for this lesson and reminder.
“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. [II Cor. 12:9.] Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. [Heb. 12:1-3.]”
Isaiah 40:29-31 AMPC
Let us not despise the opportunities we've missed in waiting...
Rest in the fact that there is purpose in waiting!
Grateful for new friendships and connections!
Beautiful bride to be Jennifer
My new friend Victor
