In the moment
October 27th, 2008
I’ve often heard the advice that we should live “in the moment.” Great concept, in theory. Applying it is another matter.
This past weekend I was on a business trip. I left on Saturday morning to a disappointed 5-year-old saying “But mommy, Saturday is a NOBODY work day!” I finally got myself to the airport under a huge cloud of guilt, and 5 hours later, I landed in Connecticut. We spent 2 solid days completing a video shoot for an upcoming project. It went great and at the end of the last day, I was so ready to get on a plane and return to my family.
Exhausted, I climbed on a packed flight and found myself in the center seat, though it really didn’t matter. I had my sights fixed on Nashville. A man sat down next to me and I tried my best to smile politely and then bury my nose in the fascinating US Air magazine. The last thing I needed was a chatty plane-mate. Unfortunately, he started right in to the regular plane chit chat. “Are you coming or going?”… “What were you doing in Connecticut?”…and on and on. I gave short answers but nothing worked. Finally, I gave up and entered the conversation.
For the next 90 minutes, I found out that this man was recently divorced and recently lost his job. He was in Nashville for a new job opportunity, though he was crushed that it would mean leaving his son behind with his ex-wife. I was able to share my testimony with him and how Christ has been my constant source of strength and peace in rough times. He listened intently.
That flight was “living in the moment.” My plans for were for quiet and quick flight home, but God had other plans. I pray that I always remain open to the moments that He wants to use me to touch someone in need. It won’t always be convenient. And it certainly won’t fit into my neat and orderly Outlook calendar. But I know that nothing on that calendar is as important as the opportunity to make an eternal difference.
