Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. – Galatians 5:25 (NIV)

The airport boarding area is alive with emotion. It’s an intersectional point for people on journeys with countless different start and end points. As we converge, our thoughts are on the flight-delay notice our phone just delivered, the lack of empty seats in the waiting area, the annoying way our carry-on bag strap is rubbing our shoulder, the moral dilemma of whether to recline our seat when we finally board. But if we can stop, breathe, look and listen, our own worries fade into the background as we become aware of the struggles of those around us. The mom trying to calm a crying baby. The older gentleman defying his mobility challenges to walk independently through the concourse. The gate attendant who greets angry customer after angry customer with a smile. By sitting quietly and still for even a few minutes, keeping our phones hidden and looking and listening with not only our eyes and ears–but also our hearts–we can access a world of opportunity. By looking at the people we are currently sharing space with and wondering, “How can I be a bright spot in this person’s day?” or “How can I connect with this individual?” we open ourselves to the powerful possibility of spreading God’s love, adding to the joy in the world, and maybe even making a long-term connection. Today’s world throws up countless obstacles to this kind of interaction. Our phones whisk us into terabytes’ worth of empty content. Societal pressure to look and feel “busy” keeps us in blinders to ensure we don’t stray on the way from A to B on our schedule. But real life and real connection exists beyond the digital calendar. It exists outside of the algorithmic feed. If we want to seize this opportunity, we need to take action.

Emily Freehling