Jul 5th, 2007
Flying in the Face of Trouble
You must make firm the feet at the time when these trials transpire, and demonstrate forbearance and patience. You must withstand them with the utmost love and kindness; consider their oppression and persecution as the caprice of children. `Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’i writings
Tomorrow I am off to Italy to attend the Irfan Colloquium, a conference of people from around the world who study the Baha’i scripture in depth - I am not one of them, I just like to be in their company!
But travelling these days can be a little nerve-wracking, especially in light of recent events here in the UK. While we were in Madrid last weekend there was an attack on Glasgow airport. We were, naturally, concerned for the welfare of the people at the airport, travellers and staff and their families. But we also wondered if we would be able to return to Luton airport.
But despite heightened security alerts, our travel arrangements were hardly affected at all. The airplanes kept flying, travellers were calm and patient and understanding and everything went very smoothly. Rather than being destabilized by this attack, people seemed determined to carry on as normal and not to let their lives be disrupted by the acts of a few who in no way represent the teachings of the Quran and Muhammad, teachings which Baha’is honour and respect and to which Baha’u'llah makes many references in His scriptures - and which we will be studying at the Irfan Colloquium in Italy.
So I am not nervous about flying tomorrow - but I will go a little earlier than usual to make time for the extra security measures.
Technorati Tags: Baha’i, travelling, airports, security alerts, Irfan Colloquium