God's Plan

I was the first passenger to board the plane. What all airlines do is board passengers who are disabled, older or any children, first. The idea being, there will be no one to get in the way if there are any difficulties. While all the other passengers boarded I received my usual scowls, 'I'm not looking at you' thing, rubber necking (double takes) and some very snotty comments under their breathe, like; "Who is she anyway?" "Why does she get to board first?" "You're not so important!" Trying to keep back a fountain of tears, I doubted going away that much more.

Then the man who was to sit next to me arrived. He was extremely rude while stowing his overhead luggage. He plowed past my unbending leg, causing me pain. It hurt enough for me to uncontrollably, whimper, which brought forth the rolling of his eye's, a shaking back-n-forth of his head, and a "JEEZ!" gushed forth from his angry, pursed, lips. Now my doubt of going on this trip escalated to a drastic point. I wanted off the plane NOW, but knew it was not happening.

I couldn't stop the tears running down my face as the plane taxied to the runway and took off. Glancing at me, the man's countenance changed. He comforted me and patted my back, saying, "I'm sorry for being a jerk. There is no excuse for the way I acted. Please forgive me?!" He signaled the stewardess and asked her to bring me a drink of water.

A while later, after I was calm, we started talking and through my garbled, emotional, speech I told him my story. He listened intently, only interrupting for a question here-or-there.

When the plane touched down, instead of rushing off like all the other passengers, he stayed with me until it was time for me to exit. As he slowly and very methodically squeezed past me, he said, "Merrym, I'm so glad I got the privilege of sitting next to you. When I boarded, my whole intention was to ignore the person sitting by me. But I'm extremely glad and blessed that I didn't. You have opened my eye's to disabled people and their plight. I'm humbled by you and your beautiful story. Thank you for sharing What God has done in your life. I'LL NEVER BE THE SAME!" He then exited and I no longer doubted, if this trip was God's plan...

For I know the plans I have for you.

Jeremiah 29:11

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce