There was a bit of commotion as Kathy struggled to make her carry-on fit into the overhead compartment. Although her appearance expressed that she was a woman in control she nevertheless seemed out of sorts and clearly flustered by the challenge, and if I recall correctly she was delaying the boarding for other passengers. Some, who were already seated, as well as the flight attendant, grew a touch irritated. Finally, the young flight attendant offered her assistance but did so with sarcastic humor. She apologized and blurted out that she was just trying to get to her mother who as in the hospital and dying.
In response the irritated passengers amazingly thought it helpful, as well as humorous, to offer to buy her a drink since they agreed she could really use one. The flight attendant persisted to try and relieve Kathy with his sarcasm, but she was utterly frazzled and not the sort to easily catch others’ wit. I was saddened by what I observed and upset at the lack of sensitivity she received. Yet, for the duration of that flight I found no opportunity to help her, other than through prayer.
After the plane touched down and the departing passengers were gone Kathy took the opportunity to take a seat closer to the front. She seemed intensely interested in not wasting a single moment on this frantic journey. She moved her carry-on bags to a more forward compartment and sat down in the aisle seat opposite me. I remember her face seeming pressed with anxiety and her eyes strained from the weight she bore. I knew the Lord had given me a chance to offer her a little much needed kindness.
I leaned into the aisle, gently touching her arm, and told her that I couldn’t help but over hear what she’d said about her mother being in the hospital and not doing well. I told her I was very sorry. As I spoke the lines in her forehead relaxed and her eyes seemed to brighten, if only ever so slightly. She thanked me for my concern and went on to explain that she had learned just the day before of her mother’s situation as well as the doctor’s expectation of there only being a few days before her mother passed. Her concern was intensified by the reality of the strained relationship the two of them had known for so many years. Kathy explained briefly of some of the difficulties between them, that she had long before forgiven her mother, ant that she loved her dearly. Yet, still they remained distant. Now she hoped only to get to the hospital in time to tell her how much she loved her and to say goodbye.
I immediately felt the Lord urging me to pray for her. I simply asked her if that would be alright. The offer had barely left my lips before she grabbed my hand and asked me to please pray. I gently held her hand and began, being interrupted briefly by the newly boarding passengers. I prayed for her peace and comfort, the opportunity for her to be reconciled with her mother, and for the presence of Christ to be with her. She couldn’t have been more thankful. Even if her words couldn’t quite communicate it her face and eyes did.
Certainly she was still upset but the Jesus met her there in the middle of that aisle. His presence gave her a sense of peace and hope that overcame her fear. She no longer seemed distraught and the light in her heart seemed restored. She then related that she too was a believer and had been for many years. As the conversation now shifted she seemed a bit lighter and no longer stuck in the waves of grief. The Lord had lifted her above them.
As I look back on this encounter I can see Christ at work. I recognize how my own similar past experiences gave me an ability to relate to this person who was a complete stranger. Then the Lord filled my heart with the compassion He longed to express to her. A simple gesture of kindness was all that He needed to remind her of His love and amazing strength, and to encourage her to take refuge in Him.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
