I think the airport arrival terminal is one of the happiest places to hang. Everyone looks so excited and eager as they anticipate the arrival of their loved ones. At the first glimpse of aforementioned loved ones, everyone has differing reactions. Some jump up and down and squeal, others encourage their kids to run ahead and hug while they bemusedly trail after them. Everyone looks so happy, so fulfilled.
I too waited perhaps abit too eagerly. I made sure I was at least half an hour earlier than the arrival time in case the flight was early. The arrival terminal in Sydney airport has 2 gates...A/B and C/D. Due to this structure, one must constantly be on a lookout from two directions in each gate lest a loved one should manage to forlornly slip by unnoticed.
So in my eager beaver state, I spent about an hour craning my neck, performing short bouts of jigs as I peered around large people, and maintained eagle eye surveys on the two exits. Needless to say, after a mere 4 hours of sleep, this got very tiring and I began to lose concentration. Thus I started day dreaming and have come upon this conclusion:
Waiting too early for a loved one at an airport arrival terminal is similar to the feeling of waiting for Jesus.
This is because we wait with eager anticipation and do so as long as we have to, with full knowledge that the person we expect will show up....even if they only show up an hour later than expected (or 3000 odd years). After awhile, we become discouraged and are tempted to stop being watchful. But then, in the corner of our eye, we observe clues that give away the fact that our loved one is coming soon. In this case, it was the approaching air stewardesses of MAS. And this renews our hope and strengthens our will to watch and wait...just a little longer. Our loved one will soon be with us.
In the last days, we are told to be watchful, alert. The hour will come like a thief in the night. Our diligence will be rewarded, so persevere. Be strong and courageous. And persevere.
