Ignoring the Courtesy Seat

Satchel on my arm, and suitcase following close behind, I made my way through Memphis airport. People of all nationalities passed me on every side, and their various colors, styles, and emotions filled the air with that specific electricity to be found in an international airport. I found my gate and began scanning the rows of chairs, looking for the courtesy seat. There it was - a solid five seats open, and on either end sat a business man and an Indian woman. Wheeling my luggage through the maze of legs, bags, and coffee mugs, I sat myself down on the end closer to the woman and smiled. Her eyes were - as cliche as this may sound - jolly; in fact, I don't know if I've ever seen quite that sparkle in any one's eye.

That same happiness in her eye, though, was met by an equal and opposite swelling in my heart. Oh how she needs Jesus. No matter how I tried to suppress the feeling, the desire to speak with her, it would not be quieted; the Lord was urging me, and He is not one to be ignored. That is how, on Friday the 13th in Memphis Airport, I began to build a relationship with the country of India.

Rumi was on her way to her home town: Chennai, India. Her nephew's wedding this this month, and for the first time in two years she will be seeing her whole family: Five siblings, their spouses, all of their children, her children, and the next two generations. For the next thirty minutes I listened to descriptions of Chennai, Indian Weddings, Customs, and stories of Rumi's family. Never once did I have the chance to speak the Gospel, despite my intense longing to. Rumi put her headphones in, and that was it. Conversation over. 

Card accompanying bracelet

But God will not be silenced by an iPhone 6 and Gummi Headphones.

Across the the room I saw a tall woman, definitely Texan, searching for a seat. I assumed she would take the other courtesy seat in my section, and watched as she make her way to it - and then change her mind, make a sharp right, and sit in the chair right next to me. Courtesy denied. Personal space invaded. Her beaded bracelet jangled as she sat down and pulled out a newspaper.

"I like your bracelet." I commented, in an attempt to make myself more comfortable with this new addition.

"Oh this? Thank you!" Her accent was strong and happy. "You know, it tells the Jesus story."

My heart skipped a beat. Here, sitting next to me, was a woman with a desire to talk and the Gospel strung around her wrist. She smiled as I asked her to please show me, and I prayed that Rumi was listening. One quick glance told me my prayers had been answered, as Rumi slowly took out her headphones and began listening. Conversation turned from the Gospel, to the goodness of God, and the blessing of our Faith in Christ, and I sat overwhelmed by the goodness of God while Rumi listened to it all.

Never limit the Lord, and never limit yourself. Boundaries can be beneficial, yes, but they can be just as dangerous. Imagine if I had allowed myself to become uncomfortable with Janis' presence and moved to a new seat? Rumi may not have heard the Good News, I may not have seen God work, Terri may not have been able to share her Faith.

Meet society head on. Be not ashamed of the Gospel. Always be looking for that courtesy seat, and don't be afraid to ignore it.

- Bekah S.