A while back I pretty much decided that I wouldn’t go anywhere that required air travel. It didn’t seem like that much of a sacrifice. I’ve flown before–been to California, Las Vegas, New York and a few places in between. I just couldn’t think of anything I wanted to get at bad enough to climb aboard an airplane to reach it.
My fear isn’t as simple as being afraid of something going wrong. It’s more of an issue with giving a stranger such utter control over my very self. And then this writing thing started to happen. And there are conferences and events and places I might need to go. Far away places.
I finally decided that if God wanted me to get on an airplane, then by golly he’d put me on one. And so he is. Tomorrow I fly to Minneapolis. Oh, I checked driving directions and Greyhound and Amtrak, but it just wasn’t practical to do anything but get on an airplane. So I will. So I am.
Which is what gave me the idea of giving up fear for Lent. I’ve been living with this idea of NOT being afraid since Ash Wednesday. And I think it’s taking hold. God has yet to ask me to do anything by myself. I trust he’ll be right there with me tomorrow.
And the funny thing? I’m kind of excited. The idea of doing something not by my own strength but through the Holy Spirit is thrilling. And peaceful. When God says, “Go,” the only thing to do is start moving. And if God says, “Go,” how can I possible go wrong?
Proverbs 3:5-7 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.
Tune in to Facebook–I’ll keep you posted.
Meet Sarah
It’s not the flying that bothers me half as much as going through the airports these days. By the time you get on the plane, the flight is a piece of cake. TSA actually stands for Thousands Standing Around. If you’re flying out of Asheville, the TSA effect is not as pronounced as it is in major airports. Two thoughts tend to comfort me when I’m on an airplane. (1) I’m closer to Heaven than when on the ground, and (2) the pilots will crash before I do, so I know they’re going to be careful. Enjoy your flights!
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:20:13 +0000 To: hoosierdaddy500@hotmail.com
I like your take on it! Lends a whole new meaning to the line in St. Patrick’s prayer–“Christ beneath me.”
I hope you have a delightful trip and pray you have a safe journey! Can’t wait to hear about it.
See, this is what’s so great about my mom. No fussing, no trying to talk me out of being afraid, just confidence and faith. Wish you could come with me!
Hi Sarah! I can’t wait to say hello in person. My flight leaves Lexington at 6 a.m. with plane change in O’Hare. See you in Minneapolis 🙂 And ditto to making this trip in God’s strength and not our own. I needed to hear that!
I’m changing in Atlanta–nothing like a major hub to soothe the nerves! I’ll confess when I saw you live in KY I debated suggesting we meet there and drive up together. But it’s STILL a long way from Lexington!