My family gets way ahead of me in the line for security. It took me longer to get my belt off, jewelry put in a safe place. As I stand like cow among the herd waiting to be checked, the man in front of me pulls back the shade over the huge window next to us, asks me if I want to look outside. I take one last look over at the palm trees in the distance that wave their branches beyond the runway. Say goodbye to the desert in my heart while my shoulders throb from the mess I carry back home.
My camera bag on one shoulder, computer on the other, and a purse full of the rest hanging across my chest. And for some reason I ask God why I got separated from my family standing here because it seems odd.
And just as I ask the question, a blond headed boy not more than three years old wearing an Arizona ball cap begins to sing. While his mother beckons his younger brother to get back in line next to her in a thick Midwestern accent, he sings these words just behind me in line:
The angels say a baby is born,
It is Christ the Lord,
Jesus is here,
Have no fear.
Amidst the giants in trench coats, holding their worldly goods while looking down at their seat assignments on that thin piece of printed paper, this little boy declares the glory of God. That Christ was born and He is here with us now.
It echoes over and over in his tiny voice as he swings from side to side. While his parents put their shoes, diaper bags, kid backpacks in the grey bins on the conveyor belt, He continues to sing the song like a skipping record. Reminds us of the presence of Jesus among the luggage and the schedules; that He is here with us, that we should not fear.
I smile over at Him, standing in the midst of that beauty and I think that this is what Jesus meant when he said we should come to him like a child. Fully open, no excess baggage or years of experience to close the heart up. Just wide open faith to declare the glory of His coming. His coming to us so we can live abandoned lives without fear.
When I meet up with my family seated in the black vinyl seats at the gate, I ask them if they heard that precious boy singing. They all shake their heads no.
Then the answer comes. The one to my earlier question about why I got separated. God used that little boy to deliver a message to my soul. Separated me from my family so I could be open to hear it.
A reminder of His presence with me right there in the security check line at the airport.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~Matthew 19:14
Linking with the Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday
Such a lovely story and great message.
Thanks so much!
this is beautiful!! May we all take the extra few minutes to drink in our surroundings and hear the voices of children risen in praise. All the best to you in 2012!!
Thanks Tara! Yes, drinking in our surrounding to see Jesus is what I want to do more of. Blessings to you too.
Out of the mouth of babes! Happy New Year! (I love your pics… Biltmore tree..Christmas time is here in Phoenix)
Love the Biltmore Terri! So much beauty in that city, I enjoyed taking some photos. Hope you have happy and healthy 2012 and thanks so much for commenting and following!
How often do we miss what God has for us. Certainly He had you right where He wanted you……and your heart was open to receive the message of this child. May you have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear what great things our Savior will offer for you in 2012.
Thank you Vicki. Hope to see you in Houston soon!
Oh, oh, I smiled when I read how you tied a security line back to God. Yes, everything back to Him.
Amy, I know, I just can’t help it!
Oh wow, so gorgeous. You’ve got my heart pounding loudly reading this beauty. What a moment. What a gift to get to unwrap in that unexpected moment. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Warmest of wishes
Lisa-Jo
Lisa-Jo, I thought you were watching Netflix and eating ice cream right now!! And here you are being your generous self in the comment box. Thanks so much for Five Minute Friday. It is always enriching, fun and a great way to find new friends! Blessings to you my friend.
“Jesus among the luggage and schedules.” Beautiful! Thanks for the reminder-He is here. There is no fear.
He is here among the dirty dishes and luggage full that needs to be unloaded as well!! Hope you have a wonderful 2012 ahead of you Brenda.
What a sweet, tender moment - a gift. Standing among giants who clutch their worldly goods … this is a powerful visual from the boy’s perspective. It puts the reader right there in line with you. (This is beautiful writing.)
Blessings to you in 2012.
Denise, I take that as a quite a compliment coming from someone who teaches! Thank you.
This is beautiful…all good things!
So happy to meet you and thank you. Really appreciate your comment today.
What a beautiful story Shelly. I also believe that things happen for a reason and you took that time to understand what that was. I for one appreciate you sharing that with us.
I also must add, you write so beautifully too! What a true gift!
Thank you Shelly for sharing this moment with us and I wish you a Very Happy New Year!
~Adrienne
Adrienne, so touched that you visited. I just found you yesterday through a chain of blogs. So glad I did. And thank you so very much for your kind words regarding my writing. Inspired by God or it’s rubbish! Look forward to interacting with you more in the comming year. Blessings!