“It’s been a joy having you in my class. I wish you the best as you continue your education in Germany,” I wrote Jannik, one of my students at Campbellsville University, where I teach as an adjunct instructor. Then I added, “Let me know if I can ever do anything for you.”
Why did I impulsively add that about “doing anything for you?” I’d already arranged for him to take his final exam early so he could make his flight back home to Germany.
Jannik was one of those kids who brightened up a room as soon as he walked in, smiling and nodding to me and the other students. Jannik is 6’10,” so it was no surprise when he told me he was on the volleyball team. He was often the first to respond when I asked open-ended questions, like “Why do you think this story is included in the Torah?” or “What can we learn from this episode in this particular biblical character’s life?” Jannik usually had a theory or observation that also spurred the other students to participate, a welcome gift to a teacher. And so, I was more than willing to accommodate Jannik when he asked if he could take the test early.
But why add ” if I can do anything for you” to my email?
I soon found out.
“There is actually something…I don’t know how to get to the airport tomorrow morning. If you know anybody/ or help me out anyhow…it would be highly appreciated.”
It wasn’t just that Jannik didn’t know how to get to the airport; he couldn’t find anyone to take him.
My visceral response was, “Whaaat?” Of course, I didn’t know anybody who happened to be traveling to the airport the next morning. I live in Lebanon, after all, which he didn’t know. I was getting ready to compose a response that said I was sorry and didn’t know of anyone but that I would pray for him.
Then I felt God’s nudge.
“What about YOU, David?”
“Me?”
I emailed him back, “What time does your plane leave?” I didn’t have to be in class until 11 a.m., and the administrative assistant could administer the test. Still, I wanted to see my students one last time before the close of the semester, and I always like to bring them a treat, like donuts, in this instance, since the test was in the morning.
If I left at 6 a.m. to drive to Campbellsville, I could get the donuts, then pick up Jannik at his dorm, take him to the airport in Louisville in time to catch his flight and drive back to Campbellsville just in time to administer the test.
I laughed when another German student, Maximillian, was there the next morning with Jannik. Maxey also “didn’t know how to get to the airport.” As we wrestled their large suitcases into my Toyota Camry, I felt much more like David Whitlock, airport shuttle driver, than David Whitlock, Ph.D., instructor in the School of Theology.
We were almost to Louisville when Jannik reflected aloud on how our drive had transpired: “I was praying, ‘God, please provide someone to drive me to the airport,’ and at that moment, your email came through, and you said, ‘Let me know if I can do anything for you.'” Jannik paused as if to emphasize what he was about to say: “I love it when God puts people in the right place as an answer to our prayers. Thank you for being the answer to my prayer.”
I thought of times I missed being an answer to someone’s prayer because I was preoccupied with myself—too busy to stop and help. I silently committed to being more sensitive to God’s tender whispers. Even though I try to be aware of God’s promptings, I still miss opportunities to help others.
So, how can I be an answer to someone’s prayer? All I need do is take the time to listen to God and say, “Yes,” when he calls on me. Being aware, listening, and having the courage to say “Yes” is the key to thrilling and meaningful life adventures.
As I helped Jannik and Maxi unload their luggage at the airport, I embraced them, blessing and praying for them.
And I drove away thinking, “Being an airport shuttle driver can be a high calling when it makes you an answer to someone’s prayer.”