Yesterday ended at 1 am. Collapsing into bed brought some relief; however the six five-thirty clock alarm’s rat a tat-tat shattered that dream. The rush of getting out the door, finding a was of transporting our shipment of seven, large, cumbersome and even some without wheels bags, to the airport, and making a ten o’clock flight saps whatever energy levels were left.
Eight plus hours later we fought the red-tap, sniffing dogs enjoying the smells of a huge bag of almonds, and security body searches for weapons yet undiscovered. My body clock and tiredness said this would be soon over; how stressful could a thirty-five minute flight to Chattanooga be?
Well…a few thunderstorms and hours later our flight was cancelled and we were sitting absolutely exhausted in the Atlanta airport.
“It is weather related and as a result we, the airlines, are not liable for any compensation.” The words were repeated in a monotone voice by a supervisor.
“What do you expect us to do?”
“We have booked you on the next available flight.”
“When?”
“11:55 pm”.
As the crowd dispersed I was on the phone to Hertz examining my options. There was one however this was going to be expensive. I went back to the supervisor and the conversation that followed went along these lines.
“We started our day at midnight eastern time. We have trusted in Delta’s commitment and promise to get us to our destination. I checked with Hertz and have an alternative for you to consider. However, this is your airport and I do not know what other alternatives are available. It is not for me, but for my family…”
“Let me see what I can do. Can you give me five minutes?” Five minutes later we had four seats on an oversold flight.
“Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22.9)
God answered my plea for help in a way I did not ask for or imagine. The world needs help. Just imagine what we could do with unending our gifts of mercy and love.
