One Small Act

What was I thinking? (Here I go again!)  In January of 1989 I decided to fly from our Lancaster, PA home to Illinois with my less than 2 year old little girl.  Cliff wasn't able to take off work, but I wanted to see my family. Alana and I kissed Cliff good-bye and boarded a plane.  Central Illinois  in January. Yeah.
BRRRR SHIVER SHIVER BRRRR! 

Anyway, I tend to be confident, sometimes overly so, and positive, so I was ready for the challenges of traveling 790 miles with my little daughter. I love adventures, right?  The first leg of the journey went smoothly; Alana cooperated beautifully on the 9am flight which was smooth and without incident.  I visualized the hand of God holding the plane while lovely little butterflies flew alongside. I was smiling and serene, enjoying the chitchat with my fellow journeymen about my beautiful, big-eyed, well-behaved daughter. We landed in St. Louis, disembarked, and quickly found our connector to Peoria.  So far, so good.  Settling into our seat, I smiled while visions of Mom's BBQ danced in my wee little brain.The timing of this trip was working out perfectly! We should arrive at Grandpa and Grandma's in time for a late lunch and naps.
But we sat. We waited.  Alana squirmed. We sat some more. She squirmed even more.  (It is a known fact that Moser-Wenger children do not sleep anywhere but beds. Even a teeny provocation keeps them awake regardless of how exhausted they might be.) Sigh or rather, S I G H!

Then came "the voice."  No, not that of musical entertainers, but rather the calm, bass tones of the pilot.
"This is your captain speaking. There will be what we hope is a short delay. There seems to be an electrical issue with the plane."

OK, then. Part of my prayer had been for safety, so the fact that this problem was discovered before we were at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet was a good thing, right?  I attempted to keep the positive speech circulating through my neurons as the challenge to cajole and distract an active toddler became more difficult. After an hour of 1000 years, the voice returned, "I'm sorry to tell you, folks, that we have to cancel this flight. See our friendly customer representatives at the desk to help you make a different connection. Have a nice day."

Have a nice day? Really? I gathered up my daughter and the kitchen sink. Following the advice of the voice, we waited in line for the next available customer representative who said, "Oh, you're in luck! There is a small plane leaving in 20 minutes for Peoria."   YES! We zipped across the airport (Ok, it was more like tripped, struggled, and slogged) to where the puddle jumpers were lodged and plopped ourselves in the ugly over sized seats to wait. Within a short time, boarding began. As Alana and I approached the impassive attendant she said, "It looks like this flight is overbooked. You'll have to catch a different flight. Sorry."

Do you know how in the second paragraph I said I tend to be overly confident and positive; that I was ready to handle the challenges of travel? Well, with Ms.Indifferent's utterance, any confidence and positivity I had remaining vanished into the stark reality of being a young mom who was feeling vulnerable, a little scared, and was travelling alone with a tired and hungry toddler. Bravado lasts only so long.  (Oh, in case you've forgotten, there is no such thing as a cell phone yet.) 

Alana with 2 of her Illinois Cousins

With a trembling voice and eyes welling with tears, I said, "But, I HAVE to go on this plane."
And that's when it happened. 
A business man in front of me turned around and said, "She can have my seat." He and his briefcase quickly scooted out of line, and I barely got out the magic words before he disappeared.

Wow.There was so much power and grace in those words and sacrifice, and yet that stranger had no idea of the beautiful gift he had just presented to us. Our life journeys have many challenges and difficulties, and I recognize this experience was very minor in the big scheme of life. For me, though, it serves as a reminder of the difference one small act, one caring sentence, one merciful moment, one kind word, one bowl of rice, one cup of clean water, one shared blanket, one open door, one umbrella, one sweet smile, one, yes, One! can do to bring healing to the world. 

As we enter this time of Advent, I challenge you to be alert, expectant, and active as God provides opportunities for us to share light and salt with those around us. Perhaps someday a woman or man will be writing about the action YOU took in offering one small act.

This week Mick will be sharing a message he is calling, "Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign" with his exegesis from Luke 21:25-36. "Jesus is the seed of hope in a bright future, a future in which God is made manifest...."  Our formal time of worship starts at 10:15am, and I'll be joining you in the Upper Room after singing in the Rec Room from 9-9:15am.

Here is the link for the bulletin index. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/index.php There are so many goings on!  Check them out!



Photo Decoupage Art donated by the Senior High Youth

There is a fellowship meal following the service on Sunday which will give you opportunity to peruse the items for Monday night's church auction.  :) 

 

 

Prayer for today:  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." Ps 91   

Loving God, you are ever present, ever open, ever inviting, ever caring.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  As we journey on this earth, Lord, show us your presence through one another that your Kingdom will be made known. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN.

 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,

Carol

 

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend."