Everybody Needs A White Rocking Chair

The other day I realized I hadn't written a blog in over a month. I usually write when I'm inspired by something or when I've got a lot on my mind and I just need to let it out. Funny then that I haven't written in so long because truth be told I've had plenty on my mind since I last wrote in December. But then again, the point starting this whole blog was to be slow to speak, to take time to gather my thoughts and to see if they were something I ought to share with others. Evidently, not so.

Speaking of taking time though... I did think of something today that I wanted to share. The simplest of thoughts and yet sometimes it's the simple thoughts that we often overlook.

I miss traveling. Specifically, I miss flying. I have never had a boring flight. There's always been something memorable about it. Whether it's been accidentally flying to Ontario, California instead of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada or sitting in front of someone with a major mucus issue that needs resolving... it's never a dull moment. My experience in the actual airports has been equally enjoyable. Walking from one gate to the next is prime people watching time. (Admit it, you love people watching too.) I've seen everything from grown men in super hero pajamas to middle aged women rocking the head to toe velour jump suit look.

My absolute favorite airport, which I frequented many times over the last few years, is the one in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's one of my favorites because it signified that I was about two hours away from seeing some of my favorite people on Earth. But there was something that always struck me funny about this airport. Amidst the chaos of connecting flights, watery coffee and overpriced burger stands, there were rocking chairs. Beside departure and arrival screens, at the end of those rolling sidewalks that help you get to the wrong gate quicker... white rocking chairs.

Every time I saw them I chuckled a bit to myself because it's truly the epitome of Southern living - making time to take it easy in the middle of life's chaos. That's what those chairs make me think of.

Life gets busy. Whether you work, go to school, have kids, pay bills, teach a class of some sort... everyone has stuff going on. Everybody needs a white rocking chair - that thing that reminds them to take it easy and appreciate the little things. Maybe it's playing your guitar, maybe it's knitting, maybe you like to bake. Maybe you write poetry, maybe you make crayon art like the one's you've seen on Pinterest, maybe you just stare out your window and watch the snow fall.

The truth is that as many times as I've been in that Charlotte airport, I have yet to sit in one of those rocking chairs. I've always been on my way to my next gate, excited to get where I'm going. It's okay to be excited with what you're doing in life and where God's taking you. But sometimes, when there's a lull, a lay over if you will, take that time to rest and to be still and to remember the Creator of it all.

The next time I fly through Charlotte, I'm making time to sit in one of those silly white rocking chairs. And I'll definitely be sipping on a cup of sweet tea.