How Do You Redeem an Airport?

I try not to travel too much... mostly because I hate airports. They're a cesspool of brute, raw, human emotions. Sweaty passengers. Overpriced food. Angry passengers. Airline employees who are "over it." And cold businesspeople. But yesterday, sitting in O'Hare, I wondered how you redeem these things?

Curious... have you ever had a redeeming conversation or encounter in an airport?

Comments

[Shawna]

Well, I got stuck overnight in the airport in St. Louis due to horrendous weather (they flew our luggage but not us, figures). Anyways, there were two teenage girls flying on their own for the first time and they were TERRIFIED. I was able to hang out with them and calm them down that night, which in turn helped me calm down. We parked it in front of our airline's counter so we'd be first in line to get out in the morning...and had great conversations. If I hadn't gotten stuck-never would have happened.

[@curtisrshideler]

I absolutely LOVE traveling, and really enjoy experiencing airports! Sure they're overpriced, crowded, and sometimes gross... but I love seeing so many new people and thinking about how many hopes and dreams are being either fulfilled or being crushed. And for all of those people traveling for work, I think about how many of them are so frustrated with their work and what they have to do... but maybe, just maybe there are a couple out there experiencing it, and fully loving every minute of it! Like I know I did when I was traveling, filming documentaries and tv shows!

[Terrace Crawford]

Oh yes. I LOVE flying.

My best story (in a very condensed version): Dude (in aisle seat), lady (middle) and then me (window). She was reading a TD Jakes book the entire flight. Near the end of the flight I asked her about the book, her job, her church (found out she was a Jehovah's Witness) and her faith. She, of course, asked me to share and I spoke with her about my faith and my job.

Dude in our row sat up (after just waking up) and asked her about the book she was reading. She said "Its an spiritual book." He then said, "Oh, well I was wondering how I can be forgiven of my sins?" (I know my jaw had to drop on that one...) The lady then turns towards me and says to him "well, here's a pastor, can u answer his question?"

I then shared the gospel with him (couldn't pass up such a lead-in... I mean, DANG!)

Although he didn't accept Christ at that time (would have made a better story had he done so!), I could tell he was moved by what I shared and know the seed was planted.

Thank you TD Jakes. [the end]

--Terrace Crawford
www.terracecrawford.com
www.twitter.com/terracecrawford

[tony sheng]

Love/hate for airports. Hate them for most of the same reasons as you. Love them because most of my experience in them has been with student mission teams. Absolutely in love all that happens when a team arrives at the airport - the reality hits, anticipation of what is to come, bonding together, all the pieces of becoming a team together.

[Dan Bryan]

Hey man,

That finger wasn't pointed at you, poor choice of words, should've used myself. What I meant was that you're right about some the trajectory of airport culture - if left unchallenged it leads to head down, isolated human beings at the mercy and frustration of the many factors you already stated, but...

I don't think it's a trajectory that has to win, and what I meant to say, is that for me, its when I fall in line with it (I'm tired, feeling like being a jerk - ever get that way?) that I see the airport and similar environments this way.

But there are other times, like when I decide to actually engage the person next to me, fully realizing that I've committed myself to a flight long conversation that could be excruciating, or could be amazing. More often than not when I get over myself and risk one of these convos I'm glad I did, even if I didn't get to read my book or sleep.

So that's it, wasn't calling you out Ben, more calling me out. These places like airports have a trajectory or an inertia, but I don't have to give into it. Here's hoping I put in the effort next time I fly:).

Thanks for raising the question.

Dan

[Guy Walker]

I sat next to a Hooters waitress once. We talked about her view of church and how she went growing up... I think she had a desire to start going back.

Redeeming

[Danny Z]

Sadly I am on ariplanes all the time, last 2 weeks had me in Singapore, Nashville-Franklin & San Jose. In time this will pass...Got lots of stories but one of the most impactfull was sitting next to an amazing women that is leading the charge against global human trafficking, her stories were simply overwhelming. Praying for you and the Story team.

[coopert]

Um, I love airports and I was wondering where you found this picture or if you did it yourself?

[Ben Arment]

i'm curious about how often all the airport-lovers travel... and whether they have hot wives and small children at home. =)

[Marie Haggarty]

Well the last time I flew to Chicago I sat in OHare for 30 hours after a series of thunderstorms rolled thru. I met some nice people...but I'm hoping the trip to and from Story will go a bit smoother!

[sarah]

well. ben.
ha!
you know my life.
happily, i HAVE had redeeming moments in my job--and praise God for them or i would NEVER ever survive it!!