Airports have always been a fascinating place to me where I may even get a little sentimental as I watch people.
Have you ever taken time to observe the crowds of people gathered in an airport before loved ones go through security?
I have had the opportunity to be in airports three times in the last three weeks as family members have needed rides. It always makes me a little more reflective.
My latest venture to the airport was taking my daughter so she could “fly” alone for the first time to go visit a friend in North Carolina.
As a side note, I thought it was interesting how God worked something out. My daughter was worried about only having a 40 minute layover in Detroit, MI which is a fairly big airport. I tried to reassure her that she would be just fine as it seems like the airlines factor in a few extra minutes in the flight time so you end up arriving a little ahead of schedule.
How amazing is it that with all the gates and airplanes in the Detroit airport that her arrival and connecting gate were the SAME gate so naturally it was the same plane for both flights?! Needless to say, she made her connection just fine and even had time to find a restroom! I love to see how God works things out!
Photo courtesy of Pieter van Marion under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Back to my main story….This particular day at the original airport where I delivered her to, there was only one plane arriving and leaving after loading up. I was able to zero in more on observing the people.
For those people who were going to be departing, you could sense the bitter-sweet emotions. Bear hugs were exchanged for some people (unfortunately, I wasn’t quite one of those people. :(), “I’ll miss you”, and well wishes were extended, even a few tears or looks of sadness could even be seen.
One couple was saying good bye to their Chinese foreign exchange student who was ready to travel half way across the world back to his home. The family and friends of those that would be returning back to where they left from, I bet were already looking forward to having their loved ones return back home. (like me)
************
You could tell those people who were awaiting the arrival of loved ones–their faces displaying looks of anticipation and excitement watching closely to spy their loved ones walking down the hallway.
And, if you’re like me, the day I was waiting to see my mom return, where there were many more people, you might be standing on your tip toes, stretching from side to side, trying to see over the myriad of people. The reuniting of people brought much joy, love and happiness to both parties as they also gave big, warm embraces and even kisses.
Photo credit by Bible Verse Photo under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Reflecting on my observations made me think of the parallel of our relationship with God, our Father.
Has there ever been a time when maybe you abandoned God maybe thinking you didn’t need Him in your life? Maybe you were hurt by things happening in your life and ended up getting mad and maybe even blaming God for something that happened?
I bet at times like that God really wanted to give you a great big bear hug and let you know how much he loves you. And certainly that He misses you and hopes you return soon safely back to Him. I even would venture to say that His heart is sad even though He really knows the whole picture.
So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him. –Hosea 12:6 (NLT)
************
Just as the people who were arriving back “home” from being away were so enthused to see their loved ones, so God certainly rejoices whenever we return back to Him. He is always extending His loving arms to embrace us, holding us tightly to Him!
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. –Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
************
No matter what, God’s love is always there for us. It delights His heart when we seek Him continually and share everything with Him. He is always with us; we need to know that deep in our heart and soul.
I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. –Psalm 16:8 (NLT)
************
Remember that when we unite or reunite with God, it is even better than the happiest reunion you had with anyone in your life!
…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. –Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
