Insight

It was an extremely simple conversation.  Anyone spending sixteen going on seventeen hours trapped in a flying tin can bound from Los Angeles to Singapore will be a bit tired, short tempered, and curt.  As I tried to combat the overwhelming need to sleep on top of my twelve hours of restless sleep, I stood in the galley waiting for a fresh cup of coffee.  The nameless flight attendant was attentive in a kind, compassionate kind of way.
 
“You realize the lift from the coffee is not going to last?”
 
“Yes, but it is oh so good while it works.”
 
“I understand, but it will not last.  I am not so sure that it is really good for you.”
 
I found myself wondering how where the conversation was going.  Ironically, there was no agenda on her mind.  It was a simple observation, a gift from one to another.  I knew the wisdom, understood the truth of the words.  I caught myself listening to the Spirit’s voice.  I wondered if I would accept it as willingly as the current conversation that I was lingering on.  Would I listen with my heart and not my head?  Would I let the truth penetrate and sink within?  Was I willing to change course I compassion called?
 
The simple conversation of the flight two days ago still rings in my mind.  I find myself realizing afresh just how much impact potentially rests with every conversation.  Nothing is completely innocent.  Casual nothing words can alter the course of your life and mine.  Innocent conversations have the potential to nurture.  You and I potentially touch every life where we see, touch, or speak.
 
Today is a wonderful opportunity to be intentional in our actions.  We can give an unconditional smile.  We can bless others with the mercy found in God’s gift in our life.  We can bring reality to Hope.
 
“He [God] gave me speech that would cut and penetrate.  He kept his hand on me to protect me.  He made me his straight arrow and hid me in his quiver.”  (Isaiah 49.2)