Elevator Jetlag

Have you ever experienced jet lag? You know, that tired STILL on the plane sensation? Your toes gripping your shoes as turbulence swings the plane up – down and over. THEN, as you walk off the plane, up the ramp, and ATTEMPT to stand still as you scan the baggage claim for your suit cases. Finally home, and exhausted, you head for your bed, HOWEVER, the low rumble of the plane echoes in your ears, the rise and fall of the wings causes your body to involuntarily sway. But the thing is, you are no longer ON the plane.

I have not been on a plane recently but I have been on an … ELEVATOR. Okay, don’t laugh! My work requires me to move about with GREAT generous amounts of energy, in a large three story, nine wing building. Due to the fact that I am approximately 20-25 years OLDER than my co-workers, I have opted to put the elevator to GOOD use. (now said the exhausted breath)

As with all good flight plans (sorry for the pun) we seek those things that would make our journey in the skies enjoyable, or might I say in this situation … up/down the elevator shaft. I have gained great insight into the riding of … the elevator. First, there is ALWAYS the ‘pause’ … as the doors open, you do NOT rush in to take your place against the far left corner. This is due to the elderly man still standing waiting for his legs to move forward (said with complete respect mind you). So, you wait. And perhaps, you STILL wait for him to disembark.  Once the small moving box holds a place for you, and the doors close, with all glee you push the floor number you desire.

I have found that since I spend large amounts of time in this mode of transportation, and there is NO elevator music (I know, the horror of it all) I have begun to entertain myself with singing from floor to floor. Last night, when most of the residents were already asleep, or SHOULD have been (I am a caregiver at a retirement home) while riding down from the third floor to the first, I enjoyed a rousing sing song of a John Denver chorus. AGAIN, do not laugh! Here is where I get to add one of those biblical moments, you know, where the character of the story would have preferred God not include the embarrassing detail. (I.e. Peter cutting the dudes ear off) As the elevator landed, and the doors began to open, I was nearing the last bar of the song, when what do I see? Edith, sitting on the couch directly in front of the door. This gal had the largest smile I have ever seen on a 85 year old woman. She proceeded to tell me, “I heard you singing all the way from the 3rd floor.” All I could think in response was, “did you like it?” Again, she smiles and says, “Yes, yes I did.”

You see, this is the first time I had heard Edith say a word, or smile. I SOOO wish I could testify that it was Amazing Grace that woo’ed this gal… instead, it was me, John Denver and an elevator. God so moves in ridiculous ways, I MEAN … mysterious ways.

As for elevator jetlag? Last night while in my bed exhausted, still feeling the sensation of movement of that elevator, I recounted the elevator blessing. Yes, blessing. In my own bored, love for Annie’s Song (John Denver) I got to experience Edith’s smile. She may not have had a great tear filled eye moment with God, but she experienced … joy.  It was an honor to be used of God.

The words of Isaiah came to mind … “I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned …” (Is. 43:1-3) I could almost hear God say to Edith, “When you are old and sitting, you will not be in sorrow, you will smile, I am with you.” 

May we all be a blessing to someone today, may we see that smile! (even if it is from an elevator)

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)