The Nudge Before the Moment

A few days ago, something strange happened while my husband and I were driving.

Birds kept flying directly in front of our car—again and again. Not just once, but several times in a row. Close enough that I flinched. Close enough that it didn’t feel random.

We didn’t hit any of them. They passed just in time. But the feeling stayed with me.

It wasn’t fear—it was more like a tap on the shoulder. A gentle alertness. Like something wanted us to notice.

I remember thinking, Is God trying to show me something? Not in a scary or ominous way, but like a whisper:
“Look up. Slow down. Pay attention.”

An Unexpected Ask

Fast forward to the airport. I was headed home after signing for our new house in Missouri—feeling tired, ready to just get through the day.

While waiting to board, a woman came up to me with questions about her ticket and connection in Atlanta.

Her name was Terri.

I Almost Missed the Moment

Honestly? I didn’t think much of it at the time. I was just being polite.

But when I checked my connection, I saw it was delayed—giving me extra time. Enough time to remember what I’d said. Enough time to follow through.

Terri found me again before boarding. I learned it was her first flight. Her car had just been totaled, and she was traveling alone to pick up a new one. She was nervous and unsure—and I had the margin to help.

So I waited for her after we landed in ATL and walked with her to her next terminal.

Two People Just Talking

We talked about the flight—it had been a little bumpy, she said, but not terrible.

She mentioned her friend wanted her to go on a cruise next. I told her she should try it. Life’s too short not to. She laughed, said maybe.

We were just two people talking. Passing time. Sharing space.
And in that space, I felt the same nudge again: Pay attention. Stay present. This matters.

It Wasn’t Trouble

Terri told me she was thankful. That I was God-sent.

I smiled and told her it wasn’t trouble. I was glad she asked.

And I meant it.

Maybe That’s the Message

I almost didn’t share this story—because helping someone in an airport doesn’t feel like a big deal. But maybe that’s the message.

Maybe God’s whispers don’t come through burning bushes or flashing signs, but through birds crossing our path. Through delayed flights and small talk. Through strangers who just need a little direction.

It’s not always about doing something big.
Sometimes it’s just about being willing to pause. To see. To walk with.

Reflection

• Is there something God’s been trying to show me gently, through everyday moments?
• Have I been too rushed to notice what’s right in front of me?
• Who’s waiting for someone to simply walk beside them?

A Prayer for Attentiveness

God, if there’s something You’re trying to show us, help us to see it.
Thank You for the ways You get our attention—gently, without harm.
Make us alert to what You’re doing in and around us.
Help us not to rush past what matters.
Give us peace, protection, and perspective as we move forward.
Amen.