God's Hands
Flying into an unknown airport is always a bit . . . unnerving. Flying into one of the largest in the world, having to change planes--and terminals--was alarming. After all, she was a small town girl, traveling alone, and handicapped to boot. When she checked in for her flight they assured her that someone would meet her at the gate and get her to the next gate. There would be plenty of time . . . no worries . . . the concourses were side by side . . . just trust them. Right, easy to say from half way across the country.
The winds were with them and they actually arrived just a few minutes ahead of schedule--fabulous. As they deplaned the attendant mentioned that someone was waiting for her at the top of the jet way at the gate to take her to the next concourse in a wheelchair since it was a bit "involved."
Involved?
At the gate, an agent waited. "Your next flight boards in 20 minutes, go to the person in the yellow vest just ahead and she will get you to the concourse."
Grateful for the assistance, she confidently went to the person in the yellow vest. "You have to wait here until the group is ready, walk down the stairs to the tarmac, board the shuttle, and then go back up the stairs from the tarmac to the jet way. "Um, where is the elevator?"
"We don't have one."
"Excuse me. I was told that you would take me by wheelchair to the next concourse because it is really difficult for me to walk stairs."
"We can do that, but it will take about an hour since you have to go out of this building, down a few blocks, back through security, and then to your gate. If you miss your flight, it isn't our fault."
Puzzled, worried, and ticked off, she asked if someone could at least help her with the stairs and her carry-on bag. "No." So much for customer service.
Listening in on the conversation were several others waiting for the shuttle as well. An off-duty employee of the airline stepped up and told her not to worry, she would help her. When at last they were cleared to take the stairs, the kind employee picked up her own bags, plus the carry-on, and lead the way. She stayed with her on every step, offering a steadying hand and quashing the complaints of "what's taking so long" from others around them. Once they were on the shuttle, she sat with her, and then carried the three bags up the next flight of stairs after insisting the driver help her up the stairs. They made it to the gate with five minutes before the boarding began--seating her first on the airplane.
What could have been terrifying . . . what could have caused physical harm trying to carry a bag and rushing on steps . . . what could have caused her to miss her connection, instead was a moment for kindness. A person, who wasn't required to help, stepped up to ease the way for someone else.
We all face challenges. We all have moments when we have a choice in front of us--ignore a need or be God's hands. God's hands are those moments of kindness, the hug, paying for someone's lunch, gas, or groceries. It might be holding a door open, calming a fussy baby, or simply choosing to say a kind word to a stranger. Yes, God surrounds us with love. God also surrounds us with opportunities to be God's arms and hands in the physical realm. We can perpetuate the problems . . . or we can choose to be God's hands.
Loving, sustaining God, we never know when a kind word, a touch, a smile, an arm offered, a hug, or a helping hand is the difference in someone's life. Help us to be your hands and arms lovingly, willingly enfolding someone in a moment of need. Teach us to be God's hands. So be it. Amen.
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