Two Sundays ago, I was sitting in the airport in Zurich, Switzerland, waiting to board the first of two flights home after a couple weeks touring Europe with some family members. I had stayed a few extra days to explore the Alps. It was incredible to experience the Matterhorn on a practically cloudless day, ride a cable car to the highest accessible point in the Alps, explore an ice cave filled with awesome ice sculptures, and hike in that majestic, beautiful mountain range unlike no other I have ever visited.
So, I was in the airport waiting and waiting while boarding kept being delayed. At long last the dreaded announcement was made – the flight had been cancelled! I was due back in the office in Houston the next morning, so got out my phone and unsuccessfully tried to find another flight out that day. The airline booked us on a flight the next morning and gave us hotel vouchers for the night. Even though the hotel was located next door, walking all the way through the airport and then to the hotel pulling luggage was very tiring.
There was a line waiting to check in at the hotel. Next in line to me was an elderly man in his late 70’s who obviously had mobility issues. He used a cane and had his carry-on and brief case on an airport luggage cart. Looking exhausted, he told me his story. His home is New York City, and he was returning from a business trip to Turkey. Because his walking ability had been compromised after back surgery two years previously, he needed help getting to the hotel. However, chaos reigned at the airport because of cancelled flights, and the airline could not find anyone to transport him in a wheelchair. The cabbies refused to help him because the destination was so close. “The accommodations for handicapped people are certainly better in Turkey than in Zurich,” he commented. With no one to assist him, he slowly made the trek to the hotel by himself.
I knew the Lord had arranged this encounter. “Why not meet me here in the lobby in the morning? I will help you with your luggage as we return to the airport.” I suggested. He looked so grateful and we made plans.
The next day we slowly made our way back to the airport and got checked in. At the desk he requested a wheelchair with an attendant to get him to the plane. Wanting to see him safely on the plane, I sat down with him to wait. Boarding began and no one came to help him. Time kept passing and I went to the desk several times to remind them of his need. Finally, an attendant came with the wheelchair! I stayed right with him and toted his carry-on. It was necessary to take a shuttle to the gate. After we arrived, the attendant left with the wheelchair.
But another hurdle presented itself. There were steps that had to be climbed to get on the airplane. It was a huge plane, and people were crowding to access the stairs. “I can navigate the stairs if I have space and plenty of time,” he said. So, I went to find an airline employee who was able to make the crowd stand back. With me handling his possessions, he was able to slowly and carefully climb the stairs. I followed him to his seat and put his possessions in the overhead storage bin. Telling him a quick goodbye, I then went to find my seat. Looking at my watch, I saw takeoff was in 10 minutes. Since we first arrived at the desk two hours previously, it had been a stressful and tiring experience.
What a relief to collapse in my seat and relax! But there was also a sense of peace and joy. I knew the Lord had placed me in the situation to be the answer to the prayer of someone in need! A few days later I received a text from him expressing his gratitude and saying he would like to take me to dinner the next time I might be in New York.
September 6, 2026
Always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
