Craig Clouston

Talked to Sleep

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:15 KJV

Dewey and Kathy were flying home from Indonesia. The plane they were on had three seats on one side of the isle and two on the other. They were assigned to the side with three. Giving Kathy the window seat, Dewey sat in the middle.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man of oriental descent took the isle seat beside Dewey. He appeared nervous and it was almost impossible to miss his vice-like grip on the armrests. In an attempt to take the man’s focus off his obvious fear of flying, Dewey leaned over and introduced himself. The man gave Dewey his name and then said, “I don’t like flying; especially long flights like this. I get can’t sleep because I’m too nervous. But traveling is part of my job, so I have no choice.”

Dewey decided to engage the man in conversation. Once again, the gentleman reiterated his distaste for flying, and asked Dewey if he was nervous. When Dewey responded “no” the man asked how he managed that? Dewey explained that he always prayed before boarding the plane. The man considered Dewey’s response but said nothing, and the conversation ended. Five minutes later Dewey glanced over to discover his new neighbor was sound asleep!

Upon awakening an hour and a half later, Dewey smiled and asked, “Did you have a good nap?”

The gentleman grinned, and said, “Yes, I did indeed! Talking to you made me able to sleep.”

†

The outward manifestation of an inward relationship brought peace to this man’s heart and soul. The assurance in Dewey’s voice, along with the calm manner in which he spoke, silenced the spirit of fear within him. The man, not completely understanding how it happened, knew it was something about Dewey that had made it possible for him to sleep.

Our attitude and actions have a profound effect on those we come in contact with. They will either see something they desire, or we will leave a bad taste in their mouth. Shouldn’t they see something desirable?

Prayer

“Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You and those I meet. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”