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Do you know what tomorrow holds?… We have plans for tomorrow, we have certain schedules, meetings to attend, people to see, vacations to enjoy, places to visit. And finally tomorrow is here…

I was going to Atlanta International Airport to take the next flight to New York’s Kennedy International Airport and then to fly to Budapest, Hungary in order to get home. My ride left me at the departures gate so there I was, with my ticket in my hand, ready to go home… And that was about to change, dramatically. The first flight to JFK was overbooked so I didn’t make it. I got on the second one knowing that I could still catch the flight to Budapest. But when I arrived at JFK, all flights were cancelled. The volcano in Iceland froze down the entire Europe, and it was just the beginning. Have you ever been stranded in an airport with no money left, no cell phone, no watch, nothing but you and your carry-on? Then you know how I felt. I knew no one in New York, no person to contact. My luggage was still in Atlanta.  But there was a ray of hope. I got hold of a pay phone and started to try call collect. Eventually I got one number that said “no answer” instead of “sorry, this person does not accept call collect”. In a few minutes, the pay phone rang bak and I jumped to pick it up. I was so glad to talk to my friend in MI! He made some calls for me, and in just a matter of minutes, I got a phone call from a total stranger saying he was on his way to pick me up from the airport. He was so kind as to let me stay with him and his family during all the time the flights were cancelled. He drove me to meet with my brother, who I was happy to see after a long time. I stayed with my brother and his family over the weekend. On Tuesday, Budapest reopened its air space. So I came back to my new friend and he drove me to JFK. I tried to get on the first flight that was leaving America after 5 days. But the flight was, again, overbooked. I can’t describe how it feels to be left behind… to see the door closing in front of your eyes… to hear the dreadful words “I’m sorry sir, there’s nothing I can do”. So here I am again, at my new friend’s house, hoping for a miracle. I’m going to try again today. It is Thursday. I can’t wait to be with my wife, at home.

But I’m thankful for what I have, for what I was given. I didn’t spend the week sleeping on the floor in the baggage claim area, I didn’t have to shower in the tents provided by the authorities, I didn’t eat on meal vouchers. I had someone to take very good care of me. Someone who does not believe in the word “coincidence”. Someone who would go wherever it takes, and do whatever it takes, to help his brother, his neighbor. You know, sometimes the days after tomorrow don’t look like you’ve planned, but there is always something good in every circumstance in our lives. At this point in my life, this is not just easy-cheesy talk. If you know me, you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t, read Romans 8:28 in the Bible. The days after tomorrow are days when God takes you by the hand and leads you where He wants you to be. God’s will is the best place to be in, all the time.

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