Joel

Ever have those moments where you know something is going to happen, regardless of how small or big; and deep down inside you are on the look out and somewhat anticipation for it? Well that was me while waiting in the Las Vegas airport.

I knew the flight home would be packed; not like my empty flight going to Vegas. There also was a guy in a military uniform who kept passing by where I had situated myself close to a window area away from the gate. Each time he passed he reminded me of the men and women I know serving our country and wondered what his story was. And that was it. I knew I was going to find out. However, there was a part of me that just didn't want to know. I was tired and worn out and just wanted to have my 30 minutes plane ride with my ipod and some shut eye. So I was determined to let the thought go. Great guy I am sure. Thanks for serving our country. But that would not be the case.

I lost sight of military man and got in line for the quick ride home. Took about 10 minutes just to make it to the door of the plane and walked myself all the way to the back of the plane where my carry on would fit up top (everything else was full by this point since the flight had been overbooked!) and low and behold the only seat left after turning my back was right next to military man.

I can't tell you how it all happened; but I can tell you that for the next 45 minutes I heard this man's incredible story. The courtship between him and his wife. His beautiful children. His heart for God. Entering the military to pay for Seminary. His thoughts on his Jewish father and Protestant mother. It was amazing. I knew something would happen and to be honest I didn't want it to happen, because I was tired. I was tired and I knew God was going to call me to do something and He did. To pray. To remember Joel's story and all that tied into it. Joel knew it too. He knew we were meant to meet even just for those brief 45 minutes. I got the chance to watch Joel be reunited with his wife and young daughter after being separated for 3 months. Can I just say it brought me to tears. God amazes me with His timing and His faithfulness. Joel and his stories were gifts to me and he and his family will not be forgotten in my prayers.