The day came with an anticipation of being interrupted. The forecast was calling for six plus inches of snow. As I prepared myself for a day filled with surprises, the first one forced me to pause. Yes, it was snowing. As the snowed began to wane, it was also warm enough to melt and rain. My expectations of being interrupted were replaced by an expectation that everything was going to run on schedule. There would be no delays. Nothing would vary from the plan.
Even as I arrived at Terminal 7, I walked with lightness only found in ignorance. The warning from the airline rep should have brought me to my senses, but I blissfully ignored her warning that my connection was at risk due to the outgoing flight delay. Everything changed as a fellow passenger interrupted my work with Rosa the Supervisor on alternative flights to make my connection.
“Miss, are planes still landing?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Are you sure?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Look outside, there is a lot of fog.”
A quick query on her screens revealed that New York’s airports were currently closed due to weather. The delay was currently estimated at 160 minutes. Whatever my plans were, the interruption was going to change everything.
Responding with frustrating anger was an option. Rosa compassionate attitude was an invitation into an alternative. She set the tone for how to respond when everything changed in a moment.
A small community was looking for direction. “One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: ‘Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.’” (Acts 13.2) It was not what they expected but they responded. As a result, great things happened.
I did not expect the fog. I also did not anticipate Rosa’s invitation to work together to find a solution. Her peace was a gift that became my peace. Her willingness to walk in my shoes allowed me to step beyond the immediate crisis and into Hope’s arms.
