Let Your Tats Shine

I was recently on a flight with an A level Christian artist. I don't want to tell you his name, because that would be indiscreet. But his initials are Jeremy Camp.

It was the end of the day, Everybody was tired. You could see the fatigued message on almost everyone's face. Please, just get me where I need to go, uneventfully, and peacefully. It was the unspoken request of most all the folks on board.

Well, the unnamed artist in question settled into his seat inconspicuously. He was finally going to get to rest for a few hours. Away from the hustle and bustle of being in the public eye every waking moment. Not having to focus on the activities surrounding street week for his new Christmas project. Able to relax, for just a little while. Ahhhhhhh...... peace & relative quiet. (internal batteries, switch to recharge.....I'm going to catch some ZZZ's).

Well, after just a few brief moments of obscurity and anonymity.....otherwise known as rest....the flight attendant stopped at his seat, and struck up a conversation. She wanted to know about his ink. You know, the tats on his arms. "What do those mean?", she asked.

He didn't miss a beat. No sigh, no quizzical expression, no condescending look. He responded like he was thrilled to be able to speak with her, and that he had been sitting, patiently waiting for her to strike up a conversation. He talked with her about the meaning of the artistry on both arms. Not in a dismissive way, but very engaging, and pleasant. He spoke clearly about the significance of each one, including the armor of God.

The flight attendant was obviously intrigued by his personality and presence. And, I believe, was drawn to the Light that shined brightly from him. "Is that something you try to live by every day?", she said? "Yes", replied the mystery artist (spoken with an engaging smile). "I try every day". "Cool", said the flight attendant with the peace symbol earrings. And she walked away, also smiling.

As I proudly listened to their conversation, I was reminded that we all have an opportunity to be a Light. Countless times. It doesn't matter that we're not a famous artist, with an obvious platform, and thousands of fans. He wasn't sharing as an artist, or celebrity. He was just being a loyal son, a child of the King. An armor bearer. A light emitter. A believer. He was loving God, and loving people. Can't we all do that?

In the booth at the restaurant. In line at the supermarket. When something doesn't go exactly right while you're checking into that hotel. When someone blesses us. When a friend hurts us. When we're tired, and just want a break. In all situations. Every day. We all have chances to let our Light shine, just as brightly.

Well done, sir. Well done. From your reputation and the walk I've observed from a distance, I would expect no less from you. But thanks for the encouraging, challenging reminder. And I hope you were able to get a little bit of rest.

I also hope I will represent as we'll as you did, when my opportunity arises. I hope I will recognize the opportunities when they are before me. Most of all, I hope my wife will let me get one of those cool tats...........