An Airport State Of Mind

As I'm sure you all know, there are plenty of devastating events happening all over the world around us these days.  But I don't want this to be another depressing, fearful post -- there are far too many out there all over our newsstands and internet pages.  Tonight I simply want to call your attention to the large amounts of good surrounding us this Christmas season, and all throughout the rest of the year.  Far too often these little sprinkles of good go unnoticed, while the tragedies catch and hold the eyes of many.

Exactly a week ago, my little white car & I hurried down to the Denver International Airport to wait for the plane that was (finally) delivering my Montana man to me.  *insert yay! yay! yay! here*  Knowing that I am always far too early anywhere I go, I brought a book with me to try and pass the time.  As expected, I found myself sitting near baggage claim with an hour to burn, but I was in no frame of mind to read a single word.  Think -- the love of your life is only an hour away from you -- focusing on a novel is not going to be a simple task.  Anyhow, I started looking at the crowds of people filling the terminal and my mind began to create some beautiful realizations that brought me hope & peace.  The following lines are pieces and patches of these realizations, I'll leave them here for you in hopes that they lift your spirits (as they did mine) during this violent spell our world is experiencing today.

There are about a zillion-and-one bad things going on all around the world, but I think someone should mention the steady tradition of people who stand at airport arrivals gates; watching intently & waiting for that special, dear person to come into view.  I saw families with bunches of siblings, friends with homemade signs, and even a mother with the family dog by her side. All waiting for college kids coming home, or grandparents coming to visit.  There is a certain beauty in the fact that people gather in masses to greet these loved ones with pets & all -- no matter what holiday they are coming home for, no matter what religion, no matter what political affiliation. Strangers help strangers out of the kindness of their hearts, and for a time they are all just humans.  

Airports are so full of energy, bustle, and murmur; a constant hum as thousands of unique paths come together as one community for a mere second.  The place almost vibrates with life, voices, and beating hearts.  Fragments of conversation work together like puzzle pieces to create a unique sort of collage; the click of high-heels who mean business collide with the laughter of a family of five, excited for their winter vacation.  

I guess what I'm trying to say is, that we take these small glimmers of good for granted, while allowing the monstrous tragedies to slip into our hearts & instill fear into the very corners of our souls.  Friends -- evil wants to scare us.  Evil wants us to be shaken.  Do not allow it to take root and cultivate quickly growing vines of fear inside you.  Cling to what is good, whether it be simply an airport crowded with happy people or the amazing miracle that is Creation around us.  Take on December with a freedom of heart, and a joyful spirit.

Enjoy this last month of our darling 2015! Bake some cookies, listen to Christmas music, light all the candles, wear red sweaters.  And for all my fellow college students out there . .  the end is near, don't fret! Finals will soon be a thing of the past. Merry (month of) Christmas!

xoxo, lauren