"Then Jesus told him, because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed". ~ John 20:29
I love an adventure.
Work travel falls within the adventure category for me.
Charlotte, North Carolina is home to one of my favorite airports.
This "favorite" status came in handy in February 2024 when a mixture of weather and mechanical issues yielded a 24-hour layover.
Typically travel hiccups do not rattle me.
But this was an exception.
I had an unusually strong sense to return home.
This return adventure began on a Friday evening.
The thought of missing my consistent Saturday morning routine had my anxiety high and patience low.
Saturday mornings are precious to me.
It's when I recalibrate and prepare my heart for Sunday and the week.
I love this routine.
Our first delay resulted in returning home by 9:00 am Saturday.
I was good with this, despite the extremely early departure time!
When Saturday morning came though, a mechanical delay slipped my return into late afternoon.
I had a bit of a meltdown.
I went in search of a quiet place.
I found an upper level in the American terminal.
It was home to the terminal chapel, military lounge and a collection of rocking chairs.
Plus, a phenomenal view of all types of airport traffic.
I didn't catch the beauty initially.
I was fighting back tears of frustration.
I found a rocking chair, popped in my earbuds and hit Spotify.
A song I had never heard before came up first.
"Don't You Give Up On Me", by Brandon Lake.
"I see you, child
Though you can't see me
And I know your thoughts
Before you even think
I heard every last prayer you prayed
Though I answered all the time
You just didn't hear my reply
And I know it's not easy
Don't you give up on me
Don't you give up on me
Cause the darker the night gets
The brighter the light hits
Don't you give up on me
You ain't seen what I promised
Child, we're just getting started
There is so much more."
Frustrated tears transformed to tears of love.
Ok, Lord I hear you.
There was so much simple, yet complex beauty in this moment.
The Lord interrupted my immediate disappointment and allowed me to embrace the day placed in front of me.
People who needed a listener's ear. Situations that called for a smile or a thank you. Simple moments of laughter.
Amazing!
But what I see more clearly now, is the Lord's whisper was also preparing my heart for the weeks to come.
Like he does each Saturday at the zip code I call home.
Little did I know confusion and doubt were on the horizon in some areas close to my heart.
He was planting the seed to begin studying miracles, grace, compassion and peace.
Shortly after this trip, he revealed to me on a Saturday morning a book to begin reading.
"Uncovering God's Mysterious Ways", by Alton Gansky.
Again, in the moment it didn't really make sense.
In the following weeks, it required tremendous discipline to slowly read this very detailed book.
But, at just the right time, he led me to the chapters studying how many of God's ways will never be understood on this side of heaven.
On Saturday, April 20th He nudged me to Chapter 4.
Mysterious Miracles
"Miracles demand attention.
Whether one believes in them or not, they still demand attention.
Skeptics work hard to disprove the miraculous events.
Some miracles puzzle even the most ardent believer.
They are beyond not only the norm but also are odd in technique and leave us wondering not just "how" God worked, but "Why".
While answers are often elusive, investigation is ALWAYS worthwhile".
Imagine the power to hear these words repeated back the next morning in a sermon.
The topic, Miracles.
I hope this leaves you with an encouraging reminder.
The Lord will never leave you.
He will never fore sake you.
He's ahead of you, beside you, behind you.
He's got you, and those you love too.
Written April 28, 2024
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