An Angel in 13B

When God knows exactly what your heart needs—even at 30,000 feet.

A couple of months ago, I had just spent two wonderful weeks with my son and his family. It was full of moments I’ll treasure forever—sweet talks with the older grandkids, silly playtime with the littles, and bonding with the 1 year old and newborn (who, of course, was as adorable as the rest). My heart was full.

But goodbyes are hard. And travel days are even harder when your emotions are already tender.

By the time I got to the airport, I felt off—just kind of emotionally raw. I was tired and stretched thin in that way that sneaks up after you’ve given your all. I prayed silently, asking God to help me leave the heaviness behind and not carry it with me on the flight home.

Then, of course, the delays started.

My first flight was late, and suddenly it looked like I might miss my connection in Dallas. That meant possibly staying overnight in an airport and not making it home to my husband—who I was so ready to see and be wrapped up in. I texted my family and asked them to pray that somehow my next flight would also be delayed. And would you believe it? It was. That little sliver of hope helped, but I was still emotionally swirling.

What I didn’t expect was what—or rather who—God had already lined up for me.

I boarded the plane, found my seat, and settled in. Normally, I’m the person who pops in earbuds and tunes out by listening to an audiobook. I’ve never been much for airplane small talk—it’s just never been my thing. But that day, a woman and her teenage son sat in my row, and before I could sink into my usual quiet bubble, we started chatting.

At first, it was just the usual delay talk. But it naturally shifted into a real conversation. And before I knew it, I was opening up—more than I expected. I shared about my trip, my emotions, my thoughts, my worries, even my frustrations. I literally poured out my life story.  This woman, a complete stranger, just listened. Not distracted. Not in a hurry. Just fully present.

She asked thoughtful questions, nodded in all the right places, and somehow gave me permission to unload what had been building up. I actually found myself laughing mid-flight, thinking, How did I become the person who spills their life story to someone on a plane? But it felt so safe.

At one point, I asked, “Are you a counselor or something?” She smiled and said, “No, I just really like hearing people’s stories.”

2.5-hours later, we started to descend, I turned to her and said, “I’m kind of embarrassed. I’ve told you everything about me, and don’t even know your name.” She just smiled and said, “I’m glad you did. I feel encouraged just hearing your story.”

That caught me off guard. I had been pouring out a heart full of weariness, and she walked away encouraged? That’s the upside-down beauty of how God works.

We didn’t exchange names. We didn’t hug goodbye or promise to stay in touch. We simply walked off the plane and went our separate ways. But I knew—without a doubt—that God had placed her there, in that seat, at that time. For me.

When I told my husband about the encounter, he smiled and said, “Sounds like you may have entertained an angel without knowing it.” Referring to Hebrews 13:2

And honestly? I think he’s right.

She was God’s reminder to me that He sees me. That even in the whirlwind of airport terminals and emotional baggage, He sends help. Sometimes that help isn’t a change in plans—it’s a change in perspective. And sometimes, it comes in the form of a kind stranger in seat 13B.

I walked off that flight lighter, calmer, and somehow more whole than when I boarded.

Because God is just that kind. And He loves us that much.

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Have you ever had a moment like that? A time when a stranger showed up and left an imprint on your heart? I’d love to hear your story—drop it in the comments below.