The Unfriendly Skies - Again

“You’ll have to check your luggage in at the airline counter inside,” the curb-side porter said. Another cancelled flight. Another delay. Exhausted after leading a weekend seminar, we were very ready to get home. We looked at each other and sighed. “Are we having fun yet?” Dave asked.

Fun wasn't exactly how I (Claudia) would describe this rather frustrating situation. Besides, it was my birthday, and I wanted to celebrate it at home. Now we were going to be several hours late getting there. Unfortunately, airport delays are all too familiar for us. Leading seminars around the country, cancelled and delayed flights just come with our job. But that day it was more exasperating because it was my birthday. I was tired and just wanted to go home.

Finally we boarded another flight . . . and sat alone. On top of everything else, they couldn't give us seats together. I silently asked, “Why today, of all days?” Then, just as the plane started racing down the runway, I heard an almost audible answer, Why not today? Then silence.

“Because it's my birthday! I want to get home!” I silently argued.

Then God reminded me, If life were totally predictable—totally on schedule—think how boring it would be! Delays, change of plans and cancellations are part of the fabric of life. My child, relax. Trust Me. I hold the master plan for your life. Flights can and will be cancelled and delayed, but I will never be late or forsake you. Trust Me with your life . . . trust Me with your marriage . . .  trust Me today with your birthday.

The plane left the ground and climbed through the clouds into the brilliant rays of the sun. I pushed the seat recliner button, put my head back, and relaxed. If airport delays were just part of life, perhaps I should embrace them. After all, the flight, though a rescheduled one, was taking us home.

Soon we would be sitting side-by-side on our screened porch. There would be plenty of time to celebrate our unpredictable—and definitely not boring—life, to celebrate our marriage, and at long last, to celebrate my birthday. I decided to relax. After all . . . I would have a whole year before turning another year older!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.      JOSHUA 1:9