Volume 65: Rest in the GHOST of IAH

After four hours of sleep between the wedding and waking up to go the airport, Yellerton dropped me off at 6 AM to catch my flight back to ATL. 

When I walked inside, I saw the longest security line I've ever seen at IAH and felt nervous for my flight that didn't depart for another hour and a half. Then, a worker came and cut the back half of the line and told us to all go to Terminal B because there wasn't a line there. So, with a few audible gasps and looks of concern, we all filed around, down two escalators, into the basement of the airport, on to a janky, old train that took us to Terminal B. 

Once we got there, thankfully, they were right and there was not a line for security. As I made my way, weaving in and out of the unnecessary ropes, there was an older man behind me. He confirmed with me that we were in the right line and then ever so subtly mentioned "I hope I still make it to my flight!"

I replied, "Well, go ahead and get in front of me! What time is your flight?"

He answered, "6:24"

Knowing that it was already at least 6:10 AM, I quickly just assumed that he was meaning a different time zone or he was confused.

He went ahead to check his ticket at the booth and then I did the same, a couple of people behind him. 

Yet, somehow as I got in line to put my bag through security, I turned around and saw that he was behind me again! 

"Ah! How'd you get being me again?!"

He explained he had gotten in the longer line and then realized there was a shorter one...

To clarify my initial concerns, I asked, "Your flight starts boarding at 6:24? Or departs then?"

He calmly replied, "Departs. My only hope is that it gets delayed or something... But it's to Tokyo and my bags are already on their way so that will be unfortunate..." 

TOKYO??? WHAT IN THE WORLD??? 

Why was he not SWEATING? 

Why was he not RUNNING?

Why was he not PUSHING through the line, explaining his situation? 

(I'll choose not to ask why he wasn't at the airport hours earlier....)

So I said, "Oh my gosh, please get in front of me again!!"

As he walked around me, he looked me in the eyes and stated, "Well, whatever happens, I appreciate your kindness."

To which I replied, "Of course! You need to be cutting everyone in line!!"

He only smiled and continued to patiently wait, making sure to follow all of the irksome rules of security. He even engaged in conversation with the worker, thanking her for her help. 

He eventually made it through, and collected all his belongings except for his computer that was stuck because the employee stopped the belt to look at something and move some tubs. 

He attempted to reach for it, but was unsuccessful, so he tried asking. But the worker said, "Sir, you'll need to wait."

I wanted to yell... NO! Please give the man his computer!! He is about to miss his flight to Tokyo!!! 

But even though you could tell he was antsy, he once again, waited patiently. 

Finally, he walked up to the train to return to Terminal A... the time was 6:27 AM... 

I was close behind him, and after I made it up the escalator, the train was departing. From the outside, I looked in and immediately saw my new friend and we waved and smiled. He rode off to Terminal A 5 minutes after his plane was supposed to depart. 

Did he make it? I'll never know... (Sorry if you were only still reading to see if he made the flight..)

But, I can't stop thinking about how he reacted to his circumstances. To anyone who didn't know he had a flight to Tokyo at 6:24, they would have assumed he had plenty of time... He was able to keep his external circumstances from affecting his emotions. How? How was he so patient and kind? Why did he care to still talk to the people around him? Once again, I'll never know... but I'll also never forget him. 

I don't know if this man knew Jesus. But He taught me about Jesus in my 15 minutes of knowing him. May my life also be one that reflects Jesus's slowness and kindness.