I like those airlines where you get a seat assignment. You know, C-3 or isle 21 seat A, that kind of thing. Although it is cool when you get on a plane and you have to pick for yourself or better yet ask God who to sit by. My mom, husband and I boarded a flight of the last type. It was almost full and we had to split up. I took a seat besides a middle aged husband and wife. As you might have guessed I struck up a conversation with the wife. Two minutes off of the ground and I could sense her heavy heart. Sometimes the trick with letting God lead you into the heart of another person is waiting, not rushing ahead of Him. I get so excited that this is a challenge for me. I want to hear and see a little too fast. This was a one hour flight and I knew that we didnt have much time. This woman shared lots of information about her family but I knew that we were far from the real issue. Finally I asked, How are you and your daughter doing? I mean a 17 year old can sometimes be rough to get along with? she just stared at me. I went on Does she still let you into her world? Like she did when she was little? Bingo, the tears started. Her husband was all ears now too. She sobbed No she doesnt, nothing is the same with us. I dont even know her anymore. In fact she moved out last week and went to live with her father. For the next forty minutes I listened and offered simple suggestions. Dont take it personally, try not to get offended and ask her What have I done in the past to make you feel loved by me? Ask her if she would write three things that you have said or done that expressed your heart felt love for her. I went over love languages and she had me write down the title and author of the book. I asked her if I could pray for peace and wisdom for her. Next, I felt the Lord say Tell her that she is a good mom and that she is not a failure. Floods of pain and tears came. Shame and guilt over the broken relationship with the girls father and now a step parent and all of the anger that had been poured out on her. We prayed away brokenness and she prayed to finally forgive so many. One last thing I said Can you pray for forgiveness for one more person? She looked at me and said You mean forgive myself dont you. Yes, I answered this is sometimes the hardest prayer. We will forgive everyone on our list, except ourselves. She did this and smiled. That felt good. I needed that. and she sighed. When we are in the middle of normal hard life. I mean the common hard things that humans go through like marriage strain, teenagers and stress, the normal rough times. It is easier to see clearly for someone else. To speak encouragement over a stranger, to connect them to God, pray a simple prayer. Why do I pass up the opportunity, rush ahead or lag behind in my own little bubble called my life. God pick my seat, my place in line at the grocery store, my server at Starbucks or my neighbor s around me. My part lift my head, open my heart, close my mouth and listen until He say s speak. I am trying to get it. Really I am. Proverbs 16:9 A mans heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 03:20:35 +0000
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