An Angel on the Airplane Devotional

Pete shared this excellent true story from a friend of his. We also had a healthy discussion about Mathew 14-46. The passage about the "Talents".

Hi All,

Heather, I don't know if you remember the story about when I brought Sadie home on the airplane for Christmas, but I'll refresh your memory. The Flight was packed from DEN to DTW and hardly a seat to be had. Thank goodness I had an aisle seat, but with Sadie's long legs, I knew it would be challenging to keep her from bumping the forward seat. A young cowboy, who looked around 21 or so sat behind me and Sadie took to him from the start smiling at him and giving him the shy look. Well after the aircraft door shut, he taps me on the shoulder and invites me into his empty row. I couldn't believe our luck on such a full flight. But, it didn't stop there. Sadie was on him like a magnet. He took the window and I the aisle seat, but Sadie kept wanted to be with him. He was so polite to entertain her and he read her his Rifle Magazine and even let her touch his immaculate white Stetson hat. I could tell she was taking a lot of his time, so I kept trying to play with her, but she wanted him in all kinds of ways. His whole demeanor from his looks to the way he handled Sadie made me shed a few tears, because the resemblance of James was truly there, and I think she needed it.

Well, I dropped Sadie off at mom and dads and kept on flying to BWI. When I got back to my airport, I looked up this young man's name and found his address in West VA. It appeared from his reservation that he was going home for Xmas. I wrote his mom and dad a letter, explaining how wonderful Colt was with Sadie and how she lost her daddy a few months ago and that the gift of the human touch was the best Christmas gift I could ask for.

Well, to my surprise Colt's mom sent me a Christmas card back and this is what she wrote:
'I can not begin to thank you for a very thoughtful and heart felt letter. What a great Christmas gift! My husband and I both were grateful to hear Colt was so thoughtful. And that you were so grateful. You are a very special person to take the time at this busy time of year to look up our address and write a very special letter. Not many would! We had forgot to get our mail and had stopped at the mail box to get it. And there was your card.

When I read the first line I knew it was special. So I started reading out loud to my husband and Colt. Colt was really surprised! I didn't make it thru the first page before I was crying. It's something I will cherish always. My heart goes out to Sadie. When Colt was 13, his dad had a major heart attack. I didn't know what we would do without him. Your letter made me very grateful that he is still here.

I laughed when you said Sadie got to touch Colt's cowboy hat. He is very picky about his hats. Again I can't thank you enough for your letter. It was the best Christmas gift ever. Hope you and yours have a Happy New Year. If you are ever in WV look us up....and she gave me her home and cell phone.

I just thought that was worth sharing. I think James lives on through others who watch over us...even strangers. I could see James acting like Colt on that flight with a stranger, couldn't you?

Well, January is turning out to be a great month after all.
Love Beth