My trip home incorporated a 2 hour layover in San Antonio. Okay, I’ll accept the layover- 2 hours to grab dinner, stretch and people-watch. I expected that the flight would be on time. The connecting flight was delayed; I was annoyed, tired, needed a shower and just wanted to be home. On the way home I re-read my notes and ran across this insight:
“Sometimes you don’t realize you have expectations until they are not met.”
I didn’t think I had any expectations for traveling home but found myself disappointed when the plane was delayed. I started to laugh inside. BAM! It hadn’t even been a full day after training camp and God was already teaching me lessons. I laughed and then accepted the change. When we finally boarded the plane I found a seat by the aisle and began to journal, which surprised me. I would classify myself as an external processor and prefer to talk out events, not journal. The man sitting next to me started making small talk and I felt the need to stop journaling and continue to learn more about the stranger sitting next to me. He asked me if I journal often, I responded with, “Not usually, but I just got back from training camp for a mission trip and need to get my thoughts out.” This caught me off guard and I immediately thought about how your actions speak louder than your words, you may have a mental perception that is different than one you portray.
Joel’s comment helped continue to teach me more about myself. Joel’s story was a humbling story. He worked for an oil company, and lived alone, away from his family. He was traveling home to see his family consisting of his wife and two kids. While listening to his story, I realized that he seemed lonely. He missed his family and just needed someone to listen to him. I learned more about the oil industry, practiced my Spanish speaking skills and simply listened to a man pour out his heart for his family. God showed me that He will use me wherever I may be, especially in an “inconvenient location” or expectations of the situation.
I expected the flight to be on time.
I expected to be home sooner.
I expected to have a quiet, second leg of the trip home.
I did not expect to learn more about myself from a stranger.
I did not expect to be able to be used to share His love on a 50 minute flight.
I did not expect for a stranger to open up.
… But I’m glad I was wrong.
I learned more about myself, got a follow-up lesson about expectations, and got to meet a father who loves his family and is willing to work in a different town hours away from his loved ones just so that he can provide. Sacrificing time spent with his wife and children. This opened my eyes and I now have a new found appreciation for the close proximity of my family who loves me.The best part is my heavenly father is never too far away and He is always willing to be there for me and use me wherever I may be.
