WHEN GOD SPEAKS.

We sat in the Adelaide International Airport Restaurant with tears rolling down our cheeks, some dropping into our laps. The departure lounge doors had already closed, so that there was no need for us to stay longer.

On the other side of those doors were our beloved daughter, her husband and family, to whom we had said ‘Goodbye’ (god be with you) with hugs, prayers, kisses, more hugs, assurances of love and prayers, more hugs and tears. The irrevocable moment came, and with a shaky wave to our more-shaky one, they disappeared behind the doors.

We could have gone home then - but we waited. We knew our dear family could not return through those doors. They were off to study in England.

But we stayed - and waited for departure time, with our coffee now cold and uninviting. At last we noticed the wheels of the Boeing 747 move ever-so slightly.

We should be used to farewells, with family in the United States, Ghana, Indonesia and interstate.

But now the wheels turned a little faster, while the giant plane veered towards the runway, where it gathered speed and momentum. The big bird rose into the sky, and was soon up, up, up….off, out of sight, taking our dear ones away.

We prayed again for their safety, leaving our coffee cups, and made for our car; and home. As we drove home, I thought,’ Why do they have to fly so far away?’

THEN GOD SPOKE TO ME. Oh, not audibly, but in those messages that come quietly via the Holy Spirit; and are so real.

‘How do you think I felt when I sent My dearly beloved Son from heaven to die for you? He came down to be your Saviour, Redeemer, Lord, Friend, Comforter and Intercessor (and more). I Am all that for your loved ones now on their way to London.’

I took out a tissue, drying my tears, while I thought, ‘Thank you, dear Lord.’

He died to reconcile me to God. He rose to save me day by day, and sent the Holy Spirit to be my Comforter.