Encouragement

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Lonely Table
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


During Air Force Basic Training, Airman Cody Fields was hesitant about saying grace while he was in the dining facility. Feeling that he might appear over pious, he tried to get away with barely bowed head and a quick “Lord Jesus, thanks for this meal. Amen.” But a Basic Trainee Airwoman gave Cody a new perspective.

“I was really afraid my first day in the Air Force would be a disaster,” she told Cody. “I didn’t know anyone, and the thought of walking into that large Air Force dining facility and sitting down with complete strangers was just so terrifying. I almost got sick to my stomach worrying about. But while I stood in the line, trying to spot an empty table, I saw four Air Force Basic Trainees praying—two gals and two guys. Not making a scene about what they were doing, just sitting quietly offering thanks for what they were about to have for their evening meal. Right away I felt it would just be fine to sit with them. After all, we had a mutual friend—Jesus. So I went over and sat down. We began to talk. They really helped me get through my first four days of Basic Training and Basic Training in general. We all became real good friends after a week. And we also became prayer partners.”

Regardless of where Airman Fields sat down to eat, he bowed his head in prayer before and after his meal just as he would do if he was at home. He learned that regardless of where he is it is appropriate to give thanks to God. And he came to know and understand that by his gesture he may very well identify some lonely Christians who may want to join him. In this way, they become friends through a mutual friend, Jesus Christ.

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