AN EVENING OBSERVATION AT THE AIRPORT

It was an early evening-event that occurred at the Portland airport.  The specific location was the United Club.   These clubs host travellers that carry MANY miles of travel on their “mileage program.”  My husband’s travel over the years has earned him more miles than I can handle on my calculator.   Because these miles keep accruing over the years, he and “one guest” can approach the various clubs that are located in many airports over the world. 

This particular encounter took place just a few days ago as I was in Portland, on my way home to Vancouver, British Columbia.   I don’t have access to the club on my own, but I am registered as my husband’s guest.  All that was required of me was to show my boarding pass to the receptionist and voila…. I was in!

Locating a seat was no problem, as the mass of people who use these types of facilities, must have been well on their way to their destinations, so the club was reasonably quiet with just a few people here and there.

I positioned myself in a comfortable chair and sauntered over towards the array of

nourishment that was displayed in the corner area of the club.  The salad bar seemed attractive to my appetite, so I indulged in a variety of veggies and cheese.

The area where I was sitting seemed void of other travelers, so I was dining by myself.  After finishing the salad, I placed my plate and utensil on the side table.  I had brought a book to read, but couldn’t get myself in the mood to read, so I just entertained myself by observing people.

Within minutes a lovely waitress-attendant came by and noticed my plate and came over to remove it from the table.   Employees of the airline clubs will often attend to the array of food, freshening the display of food, keeping things hot or cold as well as keeping the area pristine. 

They seem to keep reappearing to also remove plates and glasses so the area is kept tidy.   I sometimes have smiled and shared with them that “I do that at home!”  They laugh, but it’s a real treat when someone else assumes that task.

This woman was “distinguished” by me long before she arrived at my table area.   She quietly and carefully removed my plate debris and smiled.  That’s when my evening began to brighten.

This woman’s smile and gentle attentiveness was a breath of fresh air.  Her smiling approach caught my eye, and my heart.  As she was removing my plate, I shared how her smile and mannerisms were “contagious.”  I think she was somewhat surprised.

Within moments I asked her if she was a “Christian,” and she smiled even larger and responded with a big “yes.”  I shared that I was as well.  She wasn’t terribly busy, so I took the opportunity of communicating to her some attractive and winsome qualities I observed as I watched her work. 

It was obvious that this just wasn’t a job to her!  How she conducted herself in serving others was as though she was attentive to each person.  I felt like royalty sitting there.  Even though she was serving me, I found it was now time to “serve her.”

My heart was full of gratitude, not of what she was doing for me, but her delightful attitude while attending to me.   I couldn’t remain silent to this gracious sister-in-the-Lord.  Her attitude and smile would have had the ability to melt a room full of ice.  How she conducted herself was gracious and giving.  

I couldn’t keep silent!  Adjectives came flowing out of my mouth about all I was noticing about her demeanor on-the-job.  I recall sharing that her “joy to serve” was oozing out of her in abundance.  There was an ambience about her appearance……..and it was JESUS!

In previous stories and encounters, I’ve shared how we carry His presence wherever we go and in whatever we do.  Jesus’ love was oozing out of her at lightening speed.  She was a LIGHT in that club and a delight to observe it.  Her “Christ-like wattage” was full of expression and she needed to hear that from me.

So, Joyce, you know who you are and what a shining example of “sincere servanthood and joy.”  How the Lord Jesus must be so pleased on how you represent Him at your employment. 

Thank you for being Jesus…. with skin on.  Your approach and care of details on your job bring excellence to your witness for Him.  You’re a breath of heavenly air!