365: The Reboot

Just last week I had read about a flash mod at the Orlando International Airport... where in a split second what appeared to be 50+ travelers instantaneously became Christmas Carolers.  The point was to bring some holiday cheer and peace to the hectic airport and its bustling travelers.  It worked.  Everyone interviewed stated it was the most magical thing they had been witness too... that amongst a very long day of traveling, the long lines through security, the delayed flights and cold weather... it was a wonderful moment placed on pause where they truly felt the joy of the season.  I travel a lot.  I mean a LOT.  And reading that made me reflect on how truly chaotic the world of traveling can be.  Tired emotions paired with uncontrollable factors often result in unpleasant travel experiences this time of year.  I wished that I had been traveling that to experience the flash mob and the joy it brought so many.

Yesterday was a long day for me.  20 hours of straight travel.  Up and leaving at 3am... back in Orlando at 11pm.  Very long and cold day.  On my way back from TN to Orlando, I had a layover in Charlotte, SC.  As I was walking to Terminal B, I heard "Joy to the World" being song loudly... and in person from what I could tell.  I kept walking in that direction and finally saw about 50 people standing together.  The group of carolers were standing in front of the Chili's restaurant, so I had the hostess seat me so I could face them.  And then I just sighed.  A deep sigh of joy.  I was so very tired.  It had been a long day and the holiday season was the last thing on my mind.  And in a split second that all changed.  I sang along with the carolers... as did most others around me.  It was wonderful.  Children, parents, grandparents, teenagers, teachers... it was such a mixed group.  What a wonderful gift.  My heart was filled with the spirit of Christmas and a renewed energy spread throughout.  God visits in all shapes and sizes... as long as we are willing to open our eyes to the impossible, we will find it.  It was the perfect Christmas gift for me, and I'm sure all of the other weary travelers there would agree, and it didn't need to be wrapped or shipped.