Why Do These Things Keep Happening?

I’m often asked if the stories I share in my blog actually happened because some people can’t believe one person could have so many things happen in his life. I assure you that every blog I write is something that I’ve truly experienced, and you won’t believe it, but it happened again Monday.

Tami and I had flown to be with my mom and dad last week because she had to have surgery to repair a bone she broke in a fall. We were scheduled to return on Monday, so it was off to the airport. We turned in our rental car, hopped on the bus to take us to our terminal, went inside and checked in our bag, received our tickets, and were walking away to go to security when I discovered that my laptop bag was gone. I turned around and ran up to the counter I’d just left, but it was not there. I went into a small panic because the bag held my laptop and iPad. I thought that I must have left it on the bus from the rental car company because that was the last time I remembered getting into it. The ticket counter area was in chaos with people everywhere trying to check their bags, but I just couldn’t imagine somebody picking it up if it was sitting by my feet.

So I stood outside where it was cold, windy, and snowing as I waited for the next bus. The driver was amazing and radioed all the other busses, assuring me that they’d find my bag. Nobody replied to his plea, so he encouraged me to ride back with him to check at the main office. I told Tami to go to the gate and I’d be back soon. After stopping at every terminal at O’Hare airport, we finally arrived back at the rental car office only to discover that nothing had been turned in. I had no idea where to look for my bag and now I was out of time and could miss my flight if I didn’t get to the gate. I took the next bus back to our terminal thinking I would check with the airline agent to see if it was turned in, but when we got back to the terminal that entire area had been shut down. I was out of time, so I went to the gate with the thought that I would never see those items again.

We flew home and got into bed around 1:00 Tuesday morning. I refused to worry about what had happened because my mom was doing great and we were home safe. I said a quick prayer and slept soundly. After getting ready Tuesday morning, I was going to call the airline and see if by chance they had my bag and, if not, file a report. When I opened my phone I noticed that I had a message. I went to my voicemail, and sure enough it was an airline representative saying they had my bag and needed an address for mailing. It was so refreshing and I thought of all the time I’d spent running around the airport when my bag was probably just a few feet from where Tami and I had been standing.

I didn’t plan to share that story because I share too many stories like that and many of you probably think I’m losing my mind, but then the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. This week we are celebrating Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ who came to save a lost world. There are people today who are running all over trying to find the answers to life. They feel a sense of loss and loneliness and just want to fill the emptiness that is in their lives. And while they are running all over to find the answer, they don’t realize that the answer is right there with them. I encourage you to look around you and notice those who are looking for an answer. Tell them about Jesus and share your story.