After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

1 Kings 19:12

The moment he sat by me; I knew I was in trouble. I sensed I should change seat, but somehow, I froze. Nothing dangerous looking about him. Well dressed and manicured, he was your normal passenger at any airport. But somehow, I felt uneasy. “Move seat, Kwame,” the inner voice grew louder. “That’s not nice, Kwame. Be civil, my mind countered.” So, I sat there, uncomfortable; yet acting cool until he let out a sneeze as loud as a locomotive train horn, or  a hippo snorting water out of its nose, I saw vapor stream out of his nose and mouth, filling the atmosphere with its mist. I tried to hold my breath, but for how long? My foot felt like led. My stomach began to turn. The boarding announcement for passengers to Bamako came moments later. My unwelcome neighbor stood gallantly, stretched his huge frame, and slowly made his way to the queue that had quickly snaked around the pillar to our right. I tried to assure myself I was alright and waited for the boarding call for my flight.

I made my way to my seat. Why they always seat me immediately after the wings of the aircraft amazes me. But I am cool about it. My wife was not with me this time, so I convinced myself that I will have the pleasure of enjoying the outside view during takeoff, and the beautiful morning skies for a change. But where did this lady come from? This lady leaned over me and threw her bag into the window seat I had keyed in from afar. I started to say something, but the voice came back, “Be a gentleman, Kwame.” How could I refuse to listen a second time; so, I let her have her way. And then … you guessed right. She started coughing. “Cover your noise, lady,” I blurted it out within me. But this time, I had no option. The plane was full.

When the Captain announced our landing, I breathed a sigh of relief. But suddenly, my noise began to itch, and my eyes became teary. My head ached, and I knew I was in trouble. Before we landed in Lomé, I had filled my two handkerchiefs with stuff from my dripping nose.

As I sit writing this morning, I have become the man everybody is avoiding. Why did I get myself into this mess? Thankfully, I have some time to recover before my son’s wedding. So, this is my takeaway.

First, listen to the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), the inner promptings of the Spirit and save yourself from the experience of my misery.

Second, “Flee the evil desires of youth,” as Paul told Timothy (2 Tim. 2:22). That goes for everyone – young or old. David failed to flee and messed up with serious consequences. But, Joseph did, and saved himself from the wrath of God.

A word to the wise.