I didn't want to, I knew I should and I'm glad I did. Three phrases of reflection. Have you ever been there? Confronted by a situation you did not see coming and really were just too tired, worn out or apathetic to engage. But maybe you realized that, to not engage meant to betray what you say you believe. So, you take a deep breath and step off the ledge...

That was me the other day. After a fun week in Colorado, site working for a mission tour later this summer, we boarded our plane, destined for home, relaxation and time with the family. Needless to say, I was ready. Trail mix, good book, podcasts to catch up on AND a half-full plane which meant lots of room to spread out and chill. Those of you that fly often know these are rare combinations. Added to that, a flight crew ready to get home as well - this was going to be one of my more pleasant plane rides. Then I arrived at my seat and realized that was all about to change.

She was just sitting there, cell phone in hand looking like a call was coming at any moment that she did not want to miss. She was fighting back tears and when she saw me, she quickly pulled it together and starred outside the window. I offered her the window seat, allowing myself easy access out to go and borrow a laptop later in the flight to catch up on "work". She politely moved over one seat towards the window, a request I would later regret and feel terrible about. I got situated and as comfortable as I could, buckled up, took out my church planting book and waited. There she sat, tears in her eyes and a fearful, sad look on her face. Sitting this close, I couldn't avoid it - the sniffling mixed with the quiet moans of someone in pain. But, I fought through it. I said to myself, "she's probably just air sick or maybe had a bad experience at the ticket counter..." This was logical enough and, by this time, we were on the runway getting those familiar instructions about what to do in the event of an emergency. Then it hit me - I was in an emergency, or at least this woman sitting next to me was. Not one of health, but one of brokenness. So I stopped, remembered what I was REALLY on this trip for, leaned over and stepped off the ledge...

"I"m sorry", I said, "you look like something is troubling you, are you alright?" I didn't want to, but I knew I should and I'm glad I did. Before I could finish my question, it all poured out. Her name was Mary, she was in Colorado to visit her son who had just welcomed his son into the world, Andre. Sadly, this new daddy was on his way back to Iraq and then, she explained, on to Afghanistan for his 2nd tour of duty. I was hooked - how do you stop there. What do I say, "well, that's too bad, hope it all works out???" NO! I was in this conversation for the long haul and, over the next 45 minutes, God pressed deeply into my heart that there was a reason I was on that plane, in that seat, sitting next to Mary. Mary works with MHMR outisde of San Antonio - a great organization that helps mentally challenged people function day to day. She's a servant so it made sense that when her new grandson arrived, she would go help and that's what she did.

Back home were waiting her two younger daughters, who she was raising by herself. However, she spoke over and over again of the Lord's protection and blessing for her son. Though she was heart-broken over him leaving (I discovered later she was carrying her cell phone close waiting to call him when she landed) she was proud of his service and sacrifice and she had given it all to the Lord. Our conversation winded down, we were both tired and eventually both fell asleep. It was a good break for both of us but, as we landed in Dallas, Mary looked at me and said, "thank you for talking with me. I really just needed to talk to someone today. I feel alone but I know I'm not." Then we prayed for her son, grandson and daughter-in-law.

Mary needed someone to remind her of God's grace and love on that plane. But I told Mary that she had reminded me of how to count blessings and trust in a Savior.

I didn't want to talk to Mary - I wanted a break to just crawl into my own world and rest. But when I saw her need, I knew I couldn't turn away like the Pharisees who preached the love of God but never showed it. I'm glad I was obedient to the Holy Spirit's prompting to stop my rest and listen to Mary.

By the way - Mary is claustrophobic and really appreciated my request to move closer to the window seat - she sweetly shared this with me as we were exiting the plane!