I love watching people in airports, especially airports that function as busy hubs. People of all descriptions wander through. Some are clearly in a hurry, running with the bad bouncing along precariously. Others saunter as if they do not have a care in the world, more often than not their bad rolling along quietly in their shadow. Couples, older ones, and kids all join the masses. Some are visibly happy, others incredibly tired, and still others anxiously watching everyone around them.
The one thing that everyone seems to hold in common is the collective sense of being hungry. Snacks often provide the more common relief, and yet there are often quite a number of people who take the time to eat at a more leisurely pace.
As we passed through the airport yesterday it was plane that the values people held often came through in where, how, and what they chose to eat. Charlotte positioned itself with an answer to virtually every type. Fast food, slow food, fatty items and sweets all blend together under the aroma of yet another coffee stand.
I am not sure if one can draw final conclusions from one observation, however the spiritual comparison is there for the reflection. “An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies.” (Proverbs 15.14)
One would hope that truth is more appealing than fast food and fancies, yet yesterday we visited Cinnabon and Starbucks. It would be easy to assume that this was not our priority, yet at one moment in a given day it was.
We have the opportunity to make a difference. The usual thought is to look outwards, but perhaps it is time to think of what happens to the person we know inside when we take the time to listen deep and long to God’s love and mercy. Experience teaches us well that we will not be satisfied with yet another rushed meal of pseudo food. We have a chance to start fresh with God. Grab it hard and hold on tight.
