The Airport

The airport in Colorado Springs is an emotional place to be -- at least for me. I picked up my cousin from the airport this afternoon (she's visiting this week), and as I sat waiting for her, I watched about 6 army families reunite after 6 months apart. They were all soldiers from Drew's brigade who were coming home for their mid tour leave, which makes it feel even a little more personal. It took a lot of effort on my part to watch without crying, as fathers hugged their children and husbands kissed their wives for the first time in months. Not because it's not my hubby's turn yet. But, because I know what they were probably feeling. The nail-biting anticipation, as you're standing, waiting to see them come out to you. The relief that you feel in that first hug and kiss -- like you can finally breathe again...at least for a couple of weeks. And in the back of your mind -- that slight anxiety that reminds you that this is only a very short, temporary trip home. But, you learn to at least try to silence the voice that reminds you of that, because your time together is just too precious to be thinking about it. There was one family in particular that caught my eye. The little boy, probably no older than 2, waved his little American flag around as he waited for his dad. And, you should have heard the adorable squeals that came out of this little boy when he finally got to hug his daddy -- I'm not sure I've ever heard such exuberance come out of any person, big or small. And, the wives -- I know this because I've felt it -- but, you can see them finally exhale, as they see their husband again. It's impossible to not feel a little lacking when your husband is gone, no matter how strong or independent you convince yourself you are. A part of you is gone, and often it feels like it is the best part of you that is missing. And, not only are you in perhaps the most vulnerable and nerve-wracking stage of your life, but you're facing it without the person who usually takes care of you, defends and protects you. If you're like me, you convince yourself on most days that you're strong, capable, and able to handle that day (it is, after all, a one-day-at-a-time sort of thing), but then you go to the airport, look around you, and your heart melts, because you see the ache that is inside of you in other people, too. And it makes you realize how much your heart hurts. You can't bury it in whatever activities or events you have scheduled for the day -- it's right there in front of you, and you have to face it. You realize how much you long for your beloved to be with you, too -- how intensely you ache in the waiting. Oh, to long for Christ with the same intensity. If these frequent separations, reunions, homecomings, etc have taught me anything, it is that the day Christ returns will be incredibly, incredibly sweet. I love Drew more than words can say, but if this is the way that I feel about my reunions with him, I truly can only imagine what it will be like with Christ. To be with my beloved again (in both senses) will truly truly be sweet. I look forward to the long, deep exhale. Until then, keep the prayers coming. These reminders are wonderful, but faith can be so hard to come by on the down days. So, pray that we would be encouraged and have faith. Pray also continually, of course, for Drew's health, protection and safety. We are getting there, but we still desperately need your encouragement and prayers, and will for some time.