In the frantic twenty four hours before take-off, and especially in the last two on the road — in a late model black crossover between Palo Alto and Oakland Airport — our reality changes from: ‘there’s too much to do before we leave’ to: ‘I can’t believe we are traveling to another world.’ “Too much to do” included house cleaning, emptying the fridge, arranging house sitting and job sitting, more emails answered and deleted than you’ve ever processed before in one day, adjusting finances, scheduling meetings, signing documents, and emailing confirmations. The “another world” is Northern Europe. Relaxing in the departure lounge, post the terrors of bag check-in and removing half your clothes in security (jacket, belt, shoes), relief and calm wash over me. The airport hums as focused passengers pull all sizes of carry-ons, cell phone conversations burble, public address announcements intercept, questioners arrive at the check-in gate and waiting passengers sit with blank stares. You find yourself sitting beside your lover, a mellow feeling in your stomach as a smile spreads across your face. Yes, I am going somewhere special with the one I love.
Oakland Airport
Jesus, our lover, goes with us. it doesn’t have to be a familiar culture — Jesus is present in the airport terminal, flies with us as at 39,000 ft, watches us negotiate our rental vehicle, and drives with us along unfamiliar, meadow-lined roads through the Swedish countryside. Jesus is with you in the kitchen, in the morning commute, beside the tennis court and waiting for you in heaven. Every day with Jesus is special.