As I wait in the San Diego International Airport for my first flight, a few thoughts have run through my mind. (I guess that’s what happens when you arrive three hours before your flight.)

Actually right as I am writing this I received a notice of a delay in my second flight. So I will now also have a two hour layover in Phoenix. Plenty of time to contemplate and think about the past weeks, and the future. Which may or may not be a good thing.

You would think after spending five weeks in Mexico, I would want to talk all about that, but I figured I would save that for another time. Especially since I have enough stories, memories, and devotions to share that will last about a year. However, something else crossed my mind today.

The people we pass by.

Obviously with spending a lot of time in the airport, you notice things.
People, particularly.

Have you ever stopped and actually thought about those people you see.
Or even realized the fact that, just like you, they have a story?
A life, a past, a plan, a pain, and a future.

Lives that have been where you have been, and where you have never stepped foot.

Those people are living stories.

It’s amazing to me to think about that.
Just the idea that there are all of these lives that we come in contact with, and never stop to appreciate them.

The person you are sitting next to on the plan could be on his way home from heading up a medical clinic in Haiti.
Or the stranger that just ran passed you could have just received news of a loved one coming home from war.
The straggly guy across from you on the bus could have just lost his wife to his own selfish addictions.

Each person we cross paths with is more than just a passerby through our rushed routines.

Everyone has a story.

I honestly wish I had time to get to know everybody’s story.
Just to sit and listen.
No fear in judgement or betrayal.
Just honest desire to connect hearts.

After all, the heart is where are true life stories are hidden.
From our deepest secrets to our greatest longings.

Breaking those barriers.

There’s always barriers.
Which is why we don’t normally just walk up to a stranger and ask them for their life story.
But when we are able to get passed those barriers, something great happens.
Something transforms.

When we break down those barriers we are allowing ourselves, and others, to be free.
Free and open.

And not only are we now open to each other, but connected with one another.

Cherish.

If you ever get the chance to talk to a stranger, do it.
Cherish the stories you get to hear.
Learn from the lessons that they had to learn on their own.
Be open to what they have gone through, and love on them for that.

Each and every one of us has seen our own dark days and our own rainbow filled skies.
We’ve loved, we’ve lost.
We’ve won, we’ve been defeated.
We’ve conquered, we’ve suffered.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to hear those stories.
Those cherished memories, and heartfelt despairs.

Why?

Because we are all here, on this earth, experiencing a small glimpse of life.
Together we form God’s creation, and walk His greatest paths.

We are all His children.
That’s why.

Take the time.

Start taking the time to cherish that.
Take in every opportunity you have to listen to somebody else.
Open your heart to them; love them.

Trust me, when you start doing that you’ll notice your own life starting to change.