A simple red phone . . .

And a direct connection to God

Photo by Mike Gattorna on Unsplash

Don’t ask me to recall the airport I was in when I saw the red phone. It was a major airport, but because I’ve touched down in more than 100 airports across this country, over the years I remember the story but I forget the exact one.

What I do remember well is that as I sat down for lunch at a forgettable airport restaurant, I was just . , . down. Couldn’t put my finger on the issue, but I felt alone. Which was odd because in just a few days I would be back with my family and my alone time would disappear. So perhaps I should have savored my moment of quiet.

Pro football games on the restaurant TVs (ahhh, a Sunday! I remember that, too!) could not capture my attention. I pulled out my Bible and floated through a chapter or two, not really thinking of where I was going.

I was searching for something, anything, that would connect me with God. Because when I’m lonely, that’s the place I know to go. But sometimes I can’t get there. If you have those times, you’re not alone.

So, flipping pages in my Bible (back then there was no You Version on phones), I tried to find that connection. No luck.

After awhile, I decided maybe this was a good time to pray. Funny how that is too often the last thing I think of.

But I asked God to help me see that He was still with me. That He remembered me. Stupid, I know. Because of course He is with us. Of course, He watches over us. Yet on this day, Biblical knowledge and stories weren’t enough. I’m not sure why—they should always be enough—but today was different.

It was a simple, short prayer—whatever I said. Then, I quietly finished my lunch, signed my check and headed out to wander through the airport for the rest of my layover.

A voice. Kind of.

But as I shuffled out into the concourse, I sensed a strong nudge. Go to the bathroom.

What? Don’t worry, no TMI here. But I had no need to go to any bathroom, at least I didn’t think I did. But there was that nudge . . . Go.

I tromped along, thinking this was the craziest thing in the world. What did a bathroom have to do with my situation and a connection with God? Still, I continued to the first bathroom I could find and slipped in.

Once inside I honestly did not know what to do. Who goes to the bathroom and does not know what to do? Me, I guess.

But then, another nudge. Go into a stall.

Really? What the heck for? Again, no extra info but there was no reason for this. I took a look at the stall situation and one was open. On the end of the row. I had no choice, I guess. So, down to the final stall I went.

What the . . . ?

Opening the door to said stall, the first thing I saw (nothing bad, I promise—keep reading) was a red phone, bolted to the wall. A sign next to the phone said something about dialing a number for an emergency (I suppose someone in the airport sat a a call center, waiting for bathroom emergencies).

Friends, as I mentioned, I’ve been in a ton of airports. Maybe red phones in bathroom stalls is a thing everywhere but never in my life have I—before or since—seen a red phone hanging on the wall of a bathroom stall. Never. Ever.

Someone may comment and say, “Sure I see ‘em all the time.” Not me. And I’m a connoisseur of fine airport bathrooms (Minneapolis, Nashville, Salt Lake are some of my favs for airports—and always stop at Buc-ees when on the road).

In a flash, I was reminded of the popular myth that the President of the United States has a red phone to call our enemies in the case of crisis. It’s not true, but it sounds cool.

But there it was, a red phone.

You can tell me this was a coincidence. Fine. You can say this is nothing but a funny anecdote. Maybe it is.

Yet for the rest of my days, I will remember that moment—wherever it was—and say God wanted to send this ordinary, non-descript guy a message: You have a direct line to Me. Always. I see you, and you are never alone.

You and me both

I still have times of loneliness. No doubt. As I write I’m headed out on a five-day trip. Because of time zones, it will be difficult to connect with Jenn as much as I normally do. Long flights, long drives. A late night or two. I can count on a lonely moment.

You may have them, too, whether you travel, whether you’re missing someone close to you or even if you are waiting on the right someone to come along. I don’t have all the answers, or the perfect verse which will suddenly take away all loneliness.

But I offered a simple prayer. And if you believe God is still in the miracle business, He showed up for me that day. I needed it. And won’t forget it, I hope.

So, a piece of advice from a guy who has lonely moments: When loneliness strikes, ask God to show up, to show you Who He is. In fact, anytime you need to reach out to God—even if you are a skeptic—give it a try.

Because God is big. And whether you sense a closeness to God or feel far away, He sees you. He sees me, even though I never feel I’m deserving of His attention.

So just ask. See if God shows up. I’m betting He will.

Kirk’s Note: If you wonder if our chaotic culture is beyond the rescue point, Jenn and I just released Saving Samaria: Seven Jesus Strategies for Healing a Broken Culture. We believe this could be the time of a great awakening. Read the book and find out why (and how you can be a part)!