One-way Thoughts
Music: “Go West Young Man” by Michael W. Smith
It feels funny clutching a one-way ticket. I’ve jetted out before on a few trips when I didn’t know exactly when I’d be coming back. Those we are vacations, however, and I knew I could be confident of a return date within a few short days. This trip, the return timeline is much more ambiguous - as in completely unknown.
This is a serious thought, but one can be easily distracted by an unexpected airline fine.
One of my carry-on bags was deemed too large and I was forced to check it for an additional $50 fee. Zip went most of the emergency cash my mother had given me the night before.
After paying the fine I lugged my remaining carry-on bag to the gate. I said goodbye to my parents and my grandfather. We had a group prayer and I got through the security check just as the final boarding call was being sounded.
Once on the plane things remained simple. Thanks to the earlier charge I was even less receptive to a flight attendant’s pitch to enjoy DirectTV programming during the flight for a nominal fee. Even with a on-the-ground free sample, after paying extra to get all my luggage on the plane, I didn’t feel like shelling out a couple more bucks to continue watching the Weather Channel.
My entertainment options were additionally limited by the fact I had no access to writing materials. I neglected to pack any pens in my remaining carry-on “briefcase.” The bag had a bulk that defied the standard expectations of a brief case to the point where my father had concerns that it would be challenged at the gate (instead of the other carry-on that was ultimately red-flagged).
I was one of the last to board the flight, so I was in a hurry to take my seat. I was informed my “brief case” was too large to place beneath my seat and I had to cram it into the overhead compartment. I was in such a rush to do so, I forgot to pull out anything to read before it was stored. As the plane took off, I was temporarily left pen-less and book-less. This is was ultimately led me to read several pamphlets about the Qur'an.
I take that back; it was lack of entertainment paired with a strong gut feeling that lead me to peruse the papers.
Early in the flight, the man sitting next to me pulled out a copy of the Qur'an and about a half dozen fliers on the subject of Muslim beliefs. As time passed I felt pressed to talk with the man and figured the fliers could be a point of shared reference.
He was polite when I interrupted his reading to ask if I could read the pamphlets he’d already finished. I found the fliers - published by the Children of the Qur'an group based out of Chicago - to be interesting, especially the ones that “explained” what Christians believe and the character of Jesus.
It’s informative to see one’s religion viewed through the eyes of another. You can find new terms to define familiar tenants and different spins on well-known stories. I liked seeing where the two camps overlapped and where they diverged.
Some areas I disagreed with more strongly than others. I believe some portions of the Bible were purposely omitted or misconstrued to make a desired point. Also, if one is going to challenge the teachings of the Jehovah Witnesses (the orange-colored flier, if I remember correctly) I would want to attack some of their core teachings rather than spend most of my space debating the semantic use of “Jehovah” vs. “Allah.” If you’re going to have a fight, swing for a knock-out rather than technical win.
I thought the materials were stimulating, especially the ones I didn’t agree with. I’ve tried to welcome such challenges. As I told the man next to me, as a Christian, I think it is important to be aware of other viewpoints for “What good is untried faith?”
As we started to disembark in Denver, I told the man I would pray he would find truth. He pledged to do the same for me.
It’s amazing what things will seize your attention - both petty and existential. Instead of fretting about moving into an unknown place or grumbling about the airline, I found myself tickled by the circumstances that had transpired. Who would have thought that an extra checked bag and the absence of a writing instrument would prompt two pilgrims to cross paths - and later leave each other praying that the other would find the truth they were searching for.
It’s those simple things that keep me smiling in a world that is otherwise insane.
said...
How interesting to hear a story about the move that I had not heard before. I am glad you had the opportunity on the plane. Mom
said...
Wow! North Dakota. It must be nice! I heard the skiing is great in Aspen. I'm surprised the lakes aren't frozen all the time, though. Guess that's why they call them the Great Lakes!
Caleb Michael said...
Cory, your geographic acumen continues to amaze me.
The next chance you get, be sure to ask me how it's like to snowboard the Alps in my backyard.
said...
Now, Caleb, don't you know that Geography is impossible for people from Missouri? After all we can visit California, Cuba, Japan, Houston, and Versailles all without leaving the state.