Normally, I’d post something about Appalachia today, but I thought you might be interested in how my flights went since I posted earlier this week.
Amy Green, authors Dani Pettrey and Victoria Bylin, me, Dave Long.
Here’s the funny thing–I anticipated God replacing any fears with confidence and excitement. But he didn’t. Instead, I just felt–normal. I wasn’t scared, but I also wasn’t what you would call thrilled or delighted. I just tolerated each flight, put up with the general discomfort of flying (swoopy tummy, pressure in my ears, jaw ache), kept both feet on the floor during takeoff and landing (helps keep the plane level) and waited for the next step.
What God DID do that I DIDN’T expect, was give me the best seat mates ever.
Leg #1 – Deborah and I chatted about growing up in the mountains of Appalachia for the full flight. When I used my body to help the pilot keep the plane level, she gave me a knowing smile.
Leg #2 – Peg was on her way home for her father’s funeral. Eunice was headed back home to Minnesota. Lovely ladies who helped the time pass quickly.
Leg #3 – Hal and Anna both happened to be heading east from the North Dakota oil fields (they hadn’t met before). Somehow the three of us talked non-stop for more than two hours. And we’re all Jesus fans. And Hal is a former counselor who specializes in anxiety (just in case, God?). And Anna had only flown once or twice before and was nervous, though I couldn’t tell. We’d both prayed over that flight and God put us next to each other. I got to help her find her connection (we were both scrambling!) and I’d venture to say all three of us blessed each other.
Leg #4 – My one delay happened on the last flight home. But it was just a delay and I had an empty seat next to me. God knew I needed a moment of rest.
So here’s the thing, my answer to prayer was tailor-made for ME. It was better than I imagined. And while I don’t see myself ever being excited about flying, I know God will escort me wherever I go. And he just might introduce me to someone special along the way.
Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Identify the others in the picture, please.
Just updated the caption, which didn’t show up for some reason!
The one thing I hate about airline flying is that they won’t give me the seat I want.
The one at the front, on the left.
I’ve had flights when I met some marvelous people, as well. Sometimes we had mutual acquaintances from a place where neither of us lived. Small world.
It’s all for a purpose. Every person who crosses our path is there for a reason. We may not know why until we meet The Big Fella face to face – but there is something behind it all.
He is Risen, Sarah. Yee-ha!
(I cain’t spell halel…uh, halliluly…uh, never mind. Yee-ha!)
Exactly! I’d feel so much better if they’d just let me ride in the cockpit where I can ask questions and SEE what they’re doing! I did REALLY like the little screen in the seat in front of me that gave me technical info–how fast we were going at what altitude among other things. Gave me the illusion I was in on the flying.
He is risen, indeed. Hallelujah!