Skipping into Christmas

I had just spent a fantastic week in Orlando with my son. Matt and I watched a launch of the Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral from cozy chairs on the warm, breezy beach. We said hey to Marilyn Monroe, Scooby Doo, and the Abominable Snowman at Universal Studios. We fed sea lions at Seaworld. Just throw food within 10 feet of them and they’ll snag it. Kind of like me that week.

We even had an empty pickleball court behind our condo. Are they ever empty in Florida—or anywhere? Bonnie and a couple of our friends have been talking about playing. Matt had his paddles so I got my first whacks in.

But then it was time to go home. I’d spent two weeks in Africa, home a few days, then straight to Orlando. Maybe Bonnie would appreciate me at least spending the last week of November with her. That’s when decorations and Christmas-movie binging start up. (And yes, Bonnie tossing yummy food my way at Thanksgiving.)

Not that she begrudges the time I spent working with Seed Ministry in Tamale, Ghana, or the father-son extravaganza in Florida. And she didn’t mind having time to catch up with things at home.

So there I was at Orlando International Airport at 6:25 a.m. My flight was to depart at 8:05 and the line to security was longer than Matt or I had expected. The last line I’d seen that long was people waiting to take flight on the Beast at Kings Island.

Seasoned traveler I am not. I’ve flown only a few times, and most of those were with groups where I just followed the leader through the terminal. But still I knew I’d be cutting it close getting through security and getting to my gate. And I’m the kind of guy who likes to arrive early and get my bearings.

I must’ve looked like a deer in the headlights because that’s about how I felt. And that’s when a young man named Jay approached.

He said he was with CLEAR, and they were offering two-week free trials. He asked me if I would like to go to the head of the line and go right to security check.

Let me think about this, I didn’t say. (Or think)

Was Jay human, or was he an angel? Either way, five minutes later I was taking my shoes off and going through security.

I couldn’t imagine why some people gave me the stink-eye when I went around the line that morning. I was sure I wasn’t visibly smirking. Actually, I felt a little sorry for them. I knew what they were going through.

I did set off the scanner. I forgot to take my belt off (duh), and it also showed something in my armpit, so I got the premium pat down. It was like a free massage that I didn’t want, but I understand airlines have to be careful.

Thankfully, nothing dangerous was found in my armpit. I guess I need to check my deodorant ingredients before I fly again, though.

I got to the boarding gate very early, just the way I like it, and then sauntered onto the plane like I did that every day.

I settled into my seat. It took a while to recover from the hubbub at the scanner, but by the time we were airborne I started to relax. I thought about my to-do list. One priority was to get the Christmas lights up before the coming cold snap. I had been spoiled by the warmth of Ghana and Orlando.

I would also have to remember to cancel CLEAR before the two-week trial was up. I love their service, but I couldn’t justify spending the money for as little time as I spend in the air.

But I won’t forget the gratitude I felt when Jay took me around the line. Still, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the gratitude I’ll have when I stand in front of my next nativity.

Jesus came to earth so we could skip the line. No, I don’t mean skip the sometimes painful and slow steps on our life journey. Even Jesus voluntarily walked that path. But to skip the impossible task of trying to journey on our own into the good graces of God.

He entered this world and lived a perfect life for 33 years. And when he died for our sins, he paid the cost to bring us to the head of the line, if we buy in with him.

It’s good to know during this Christmas season that I am “Clear” with God, and my subscription can never be canceled.