I love watching people interact. The world may be turning into a society of the cocooned and introverted, but once in a while we get to see things that touch our hearts and make us happy. Recently I traveled with my daughter, granddaughter and great grandson to visit my oldest daughter. I was apprehensive about flying. It was ten years ago that I took my last airplane ride. A lot has happened in those ten years. I was traveling alone on that adventure. I had difficulty getting around the airport then and knowing that made me reluctant to do it again. My aging body was telling me not to go, but my youngest daughter convinced me that I would be glad I did. She was right.

One of the things I enjoy doing is people watching. An airport is the perfect place to do that. There are folks from many parts of the world bustling about. There are families traveling together for a vacation. Many are part of the corporate world and flying is a daily affair for them. In any event, some may strike up a conversation and make an impact on your day with their actions or words.

As we waited for our plane, the sun was about to rise. The large windows framed various vehicles, people and airplanes. A young man watched as planes came in and out. My great grandson was eager to see what the man was looking at, so he ran to the window and rested his eyes on all the lights and activity going on outside. Within a few minutes he was talking to the man with one-word sentences. The fellow seemed to be familiar with the language and the two of them suddenly were discussing the colors, numbers, the lights, the trucks, the planes. That little conversation made me hopeful. This young lad wasn’t afraid (which in time I hope he will be) to talk to the man. We soon learned that the fellow was on his way to pick up his children from another state. He could understand the words of the little boy’s mass of various words, because he had experience talking to his own kids.

This was a first airplane ride for this special boy. He earned his wings, but he also renewed my hope for the up-and-coming generation. We often become so skeptical and protective that we forget to actually talk to each other. As I recall this moment, I’m reminded of Jesus and His amazing ability to communicate with everyone. He wasn’t selective. He associated with shepherds, fishermen, tradesmen, the rich, the poor, the sick and disabled as well as prostitutes. His example should be one that we follow. Once we remember that we are all in the same boat, leading to eternity, we need to rely, depend, help and love one another.

John 13:34 ESV (Jesus speaking) “A new command I give you. Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

This new commandment, delivered by the Son of God, can open doors for everyone. If we don’t follow it, we’re losing sight of His love and the price He paid for us to join Him in paradise. We are also missing out on possible life-changing friendships.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!