"Turbulence"

For a few years now, I've been dealing with a deeply personal, frightening "storm" in my own life.  One that has rocked my world and causes me to feel like I'm heading for a crash landing.  Not good.  Lately, it's felt like the storm will not subside - I feel like Dorothy in the midst of a tornado, spiraling uncontrollably and questioning where or when I'll experience landfall.  Scary.  Out of control.  Real.  Private. Personal. When people ask how they may pray for me, lately I've just shared "an unspoken request."  This last week, I devoted a considerable amount of time praying, seeking direction, wanting to do what is right and desperately desiring to learn the lessons God has for me in the midst of all this "life turbulence".

Last night's flight proved interesting on many levels.  Meteorologists made national predictions that yesterday's storm system would be one of the most intensive of the spring.  Not surprising, flights were cancelled into and out of Atlanta and our scheduled departure (last flight out of Detroit) was "iffy" at best.  We made it to the airport early, and were able to get on an earlier, alternate flight on standby.  Even that flight was delayed because of "paperwork" and weather in both Detroit and Atlanta.  Being standby, my family was separated, taking whatever seats remained after confirmed passengers boarded. It was a turbulent flight - and typically, turbulent flights and I don't do well together.  But this flight was different.

Sitting next to me was a young lady, probably 18 years old or so.  She was quiet and sat reading for awhile.  There came a point when she tapped my arm and said, "Excuse me, I know this may sound strange to you,  but God has given me a word for you.  It seems you have been hurting for awhile now and He wants you to know you're not alone and that when you weep, He weeps.  He cares deeply for you and for what is causing you pain."   Then she asked if she could pray for me - of course, I welcomed her prayer.  Wow.  

Although, some would (and did) doubt  - I have full confidence that God spoke to me, through her.  She couldn't have known my pain, she knew nothing about me.  She didn't know my "religious affiliation" yet this young girl was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Wow.

A bit later I noticed she was writing - I assumed journaling.  But, then she ripped 2 pages from her small notebook and handed them to me. "You are dearly loved by God.  He sees the desires of your heart.  He laughs when you laugh, cries when you cry, and when judgement or harsh words are spoken into your life, He weeps.  He will help and heal your pain.  He greatly desires to heal your heart."  Again, WOW.  These words were the perfect salve for my gaping wound.

My sweet, young friend, "Kristin" also reached out to another person - saying much as she said to me, "God has given me a Word for you." - This other gentleman put up his hand like a traffic cop issuing a "Stop command" and said, "I appreciate your concern, but no thanks."    What did he miss I wonder?  Isn't that a picture of how we as fallen individuals will respond to God's promptings, "no thanks God - I'll come to you when I decide it's necessary."    What do we miss in those moments?

I consider my random seating assignment last night - anything but random.  It was just where I needed to be!  Thank you God for your Word, for your promises, and  for the obedient young lady sitting next to me.

T

PS - Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down my face.  Keep in mind, this was a rough flight, we were in turbulence and while the oxygen masks never descended - it was the worst turbulence I've ever experienced in the air.  As the tears streamed, someone near me assumed the tears were related to my fear - because he said, "Don't worry - I can see the ground.  We're gonna be okay."    Me: I'm choosing to believe that was a little bonus word from God.  : )