The evening was late; the road and travels had been long. I was ready to reach my destination for a night’s rest in the hotel near the airport. When I drove into the parking lot, I was relieved I had made it. All I needed to do was gather my luggage from the trunk of the car, move to the lobby, and soon I would be in my room. Yet, when I opened the door to the hotel, the lobby was full of people, many gathered up in a line with vouchers in hand. Several flights had been canceled because of a computer issue and I discovered I was not the only weary traveler.
Though filled with tired people, the attitude in the room was positive and hopeful to be able to finally rest. One group was heading to Panama on a mission trip. They had been rerouted from St. Louis to Philadelphia in hopes of getting to Miami and on to Panama. The reroute did not work and instead of being marooned near home, they were now over 13 hours away from home. Another mother and daughter who were traveling in celebration of the daughter’s high school graduation had left New York City in hopes of getting home and were now stuck in Philadelphia for two days because there were no flights available on their airline. We all stood close in line and conversations started as we shared our stories.
We discovered similarities and beautiful connections. The daughter who was traveling with her mother is planning to attend the University of Georgia to study Forestry and Natural Resources. Amazingly, one of the women on the mission team teaches these subjects at the University of Missouri. So, the two of them had amazing conversations. I shared my experience in mission with the team and they shared about their travels to Panama. Then, the mother and I began to talk about my travels to Keuka College in New York. Believe it or not, the woman’s face lit up and she said, “No way. That is where I graduated from college.” We continued to speak about where her and her daughter live now and where they attend church.
In a situation that could have been high stress and anxiety, God brought together people who had similar life experiences, interests, and beliefs. In Hebrews 13:2 we read, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” When I was tired and ready to stop for the day, God brought into my life these fellow travelers to be support and encouragement to me. The beauty of the moment was not lost on me, as the minutes ticked by, and I felt energized.
When we are “on the road” of life, how often does God bring blessings and encouragement during our times of frustration and tiredness? We were all weary travelers who wanted a room for the night. We all were facing more travel the next day to our destinations. Yet, we did not get lost in our pity, but shared the burden of the evening together through our conversations.
As you travel (whether from your home to the grocery store or from your home to faraway places), consider how each mile and each interaction is an opportunity for blessing and encouragement. Who knows but that you may entertain an angel, unaware.
Prayer: When the travels of life become overwhelming and I feel I cannot go on, thank you, Lord, for sending angels unaware. Forgive me for the times I give into the frustration and become negative in the moment. Renew my mind and give me the strength to see past the adversity to the encouragement you are providing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.