Lately, I’ve been asking God for divine appointments: unexpected meetings with people I can help in some small way.
I have to admit that my motive for asking for these special meetings is a little selfish.
You see, beginning a handful of years ago, I became so focused on achieving the calling that God had placed on my heart and become so driven to achieve, that I forgot that it wasn't my vision, or my purpose, or my calling, but that it was God’s. And in the drive to do something great for Him, I often forgot what He cares about most: people.
My busyness often squashed out the little acts of love that I once did for others because I was “too busy doing what really mattered.” Ironically, in the drive to achieve, I lost joy. In fact, I was often miserable.
So now I am—a little selfishly—asking God to let me walk with Him every day by giving me little divine appointments to regain joy, demonstrate that my faith is real, and experience what it means to be a disciple who walks minute-by-minute with the Savior.
He has not disappointed.
Just last night I had a flight that landed a little after 9 pm. As I moved down the concourse to retrieve my luggage, a young woman walked quickly past. Tears streamed as she frantically spoke with someone on the phone. She was in a panic. I felt I needed to ask her if she was okay.
I had to run to catch up. I tapped her on the left shoulder. “Are you alright?” She was noticeably upset. “I think I missed my flight and I don’t know what to do. They changed my gate and I went there and the flight isn’t there! No one is there!”
“Do you have your ticket?” I asked. She handed it to me. “Even if you miss your flight, you’ll get to where you need to go. I’ve missed a couple flights. It will be alright.”
Because I have a heart for young women, I asked, “How old are you?”
“Twenty-three. I know I shouldn't be acting this way. Thank you so much. Thank you. I didn't know what to do.” Tears streamed.
“Oh, it’s okay, you just haven’t flown much, right?”
“A couple times.”
“I understand. I've been there.” I asked her name, told her mine, and said, “Come with me.” I found out that she was far from her family and was scared. She’d just moved to a new city, and I imagine that she was experiencing many changes that were new and difficult.
Her flight was scheduled to leave in just a couple minutes. After asking an agent for directions and finding an airport monitor, we came to her gate. This time, there was an agent nearby.
“Has the flight left yet?” I asked.
“To Miami? Nope. Are you Bethany?” the agent asked. She nodded.
“Good. C’mon. We've been waiting for you.” It was two minutes after her scheduled departure.
She leaned into me, wrapped her arms around my neck and cried. “Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.”
“You are welcome. The Lord bless you,” I said. Bethany walked down the jetway and I walked away with joy in my heart.
Jesus, thank you for letting me be your hands and feet. And Lord, thank you for pouring your love into my heart through that simple experience of serving. There is nothing better.
