Airports are no fun when you long to be home and life isn’t cooperating. It doesn’t really matter if the delay is caused by the weather, mechanical issues or the need for a new crew. Flight delays can be extremely frustrating. Add to that, questionable food, irritable adults and crying children!
Recently, I was delayed over four hours on a return plane trip. At the airport, a mom struggled with her young son (4 years old, I’m imagining). He screamed, kicked and yelled for 30 or more minutes. He fought with his mom and she just held him, walked with him and tried to console him to no avail. I was a bit frustrated over what appeared to be a lack of any attempt to discipline him! Everyone was bothered by it. I didn’t ever recall my kids acting like that in public. I even commented to those with me that I hoped I wouldn’t be sitting near them on the airplane. We laughed.
Then my friend said to me, “She’s crying.” I asked, “Who?” He responded, “The mother.” I glanced over my shoulder (she and her son were right by me) and I saw her wiping away the tears that were flowing down her face as she was fighting through the embarrassment of the moment. My criticism turned to compassion in two seconds. I immediately realized how judgment can arise so easily in our hearts. She was having the most difficult time by herself in an airport with total strangers and none of us offered to help, but almost all of us had opinions. Is anyone willing to pick up the first stone? I know I can’t. I’m a sinner and reminded of it regularly, but I want to be more like Jesus! You know the one who chose to help instead of criticize?
I’m not there… but I want to be!
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” -2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)
==
By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
