Confusion swirled around my head, like a bee trying to find the entrance to a hive. The last seven days had altered something deep inside the core of my being. Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, I had been changed and now I see things so differently. We are literally God’s extremities here on this planet. We are called to love without agenda both our neighbors and God. How deeply we have been loved while in India.
Dropping into my seat, and noticing we are the only white people on the flight, I slowly exhale allowing all the thoughts, realities, and changes to wash over me. My heart has been stolen by India and I’m sure I will be returning. We have almost seven hours until we arrive in Icheon, South Korea with an overnight layover and then around eight more hours to the sweet shores of Honolulu, Hawaii for a few days of debriefing (Starbucks ice tea and razors) and reaccumulating.
Allowing my eyes to shut, I drift into a light sleep. Feeling someone “snuggling” their head into my neck, I am instantly annoyed. Opening my eyes, I see this precious toothless soul all snuggled up to me. Her eyes are open and she is staring at me. She does not speak English and I do not speak Hindi. Vacillating between annoyance and dread, I look into her beautiful dark brown eyes. It has been said that the eyes are the window to one’s soul. She is curious. She reaches for my arm. Allowing her to touch my arm, she starts stroking it. This is probably the first time she has touched white skin. Her feeble fingers reach for my bleached blonde hair. Her daughter is sitting on the other side of her and is looking mortified. That is when He breaks through my agitation. I hear the gentle whisper of His voice, “Just love her. She is your new neighbor.” Glancing over at her daughter I smile and say, “It’s okay.” The stewardess comes by and offers me another seat. Responding with, “I’m good” she looks uncomfortable. In halting English, she asks again pointing to a vacant seat over by a window with more room. I’m seriously tempted. I reach over and pat this elderly Indian’s arm, just like we are old friends. A waterfall of words spill out of my mouth, “This is fine.” I close my eyes again and what seems like a flashing billboard runs across the inside of the lids with this verse, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is followed with “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Wowsee! Feeling my body relax, I drift off all snuggled up at 33, 000 feet above the earth with my new neighbor.
I LOVE how God reaches through time and space and reiterates those things He is teaching us. What is it that He is teaching you and asking you to put into practice? I would love to hear about how you are growing in this area.
Until We Chat Again,
Crystal
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. - James 1:22
