I wrote a message for this blog — and now I find I must edit that message. I began that blog by saying I love to travel — and then I traveled. Flight delays, lost baggage, and snarky gate agents can make travel more stressful.

Even in this crazy time of cancelations and what I see as a lack of customer service, I still do love to travel. I love getting on a plane in freezing temperatures and stepping off into a tropical climate. I love walking through an airport amongst the diversity of people and wondering where they are going, what the purpose of their trip may be, what their family life is like, and if they know there is a Savior who loves them. Yes — this is really where my mind goes!

I’m always amazed when I ask my husband what he’s thinking about and he says, “nothing.” How is that even possible?! That’s another blog …

Sometimes it’s apparent by their dress that they are an Orthodox Jew or a Sikh, etc. As I walk through the airports I wonder if I could be identified as a Christian. I have a cross on my forehead and on my heart, not visible to the naked eye, so how can those around me know I am a Christian? I have a marvelous necklace — a large cross, black onyx set in gold — but I don’t wear it anymore. I’ve been stopped too many times by people asking me if I was a pastor. Maybe I should wear it as an opportunity to open a conversation!

It’s true that when I wear clothing with the LWML logo on it I am given opportunities to share Christ. The lady standing in line next to me may say, “That’s a beautiful pin.” I’ve been asked many times what LWML stands for and used that opening to share, “It is an organization called Lutheran Women in Mission. We focus on supporting and praying for mission agencies around the world and we enjoy serving in our communities so we can share Christ.” … or whatever comes to mind. It’s different each time, as the Holy Spirit helps me say words that may touch someone’s heart.

Each time I want to say something judgmental about the customer service, or comment on rude behavior or a canceled flight, I really try to remember Who I belong to and why I am here on this earth — in this place, at this time. I try to remember to ask myself, “Will my words give glory to God? Will the person to whom I want to say it be hurt or helped?”

God did not command me to like everyone, but He did command me to love as He loves. Ouch. That’s an impossible task — for me — but with God, everything is possible. But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

As I travel anywhere — whether it be across the country or to the grocery store — I hope the Holy Spirit nudges me to keep my mouth closed when a gripe wants to pop out, and to speak up when I’m given the opportunity to share Jesus’ grace and love.

Our journey in this world has bumps but we never walk alone. Let’s enjoy the trip and the company!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie