Heading for Portland, finding God’s beauty

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and

adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we

seek them with our eyes open.”

-- JAWAHARAL NEHRU

My husband, Jon, and I flew to Portland, Ore., for Memorial Day

weekend. Due to differences in schedules, I arrived at the airport

about an hour before Jon did.

After I checked in at the counter, I sat down at a bench with

thoughts of reading a book. The scenery in front of me, as well as

the constant parade of people on the other side of the bench, was so

interesting, however, that I never turned a page.

Two different women walked by with small dogs in little carry-on

bags. I might not have noticed them, if the young boy sitting next to

me hadn’t spotted them and pointed them out to his mother.

He also asked his mom if they could buy a dog and take it on their

next trip. The way the mother sighed made me think it had already

been a long day for her. I talked to the boy a bit about dogs, how

they are fun, but that they are also a lot of work and

responsibility. His mother smiled at me.

A husband and wife walked by in matching outfits, and then a woman

and a young girl came and sat on the bench. The mother reorganized

some of her things; the little girl wheeled her own colorful suitcase

in one hand, while holding a well-loved teddy bear in the other.

“Mom, mom, mom, how long till we get on the plane and can I sit by

the window?” the girl asked. “I want to watch for angels; do you

think I’ll see any angels in the clouds? Can you get your camera out

in case I see any, and then I’ll take some pictures to show to

Grandma and to dad? I’m hungry too. Mom, can we get something to

eat?”

“Slow down just a minute, sweetheart,” the mother answered. “You

have so many questions; I’ll try to answer them one at a time. Yes,

you can sit by the window, and I’ll put my camera at the top of my

purse, but first I want to get my sweater out because it can be cold

on airplanes. And yes, you can get something to eat as soon as we go

through the security line. I don’t know about seeing angels, but you

can sure look. Honey, be careful, you practically ran over the woman

with your suitcase.”

“She’s just fine,” I said to the mother. “It looks like you have

an eager traveler with you. I still like looking at the clouds too.

Maybe I’ll take your daughter’s suggestion and look for angels.”

Finally it was time for us to board our plane. I had a window seat

and especially enjoyed looking at the beautiful bay and ocean as we

took off in Orange County, and then the extensive greenery as we

landed in Oregon. In between, I enjoyed gazing out at the large puffy

blanket of clouds.

I didn’t see any angels, but I thanked God for his creativity and

the chance to enjoy the adventure of life.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.