Delays Are Not Final
What’s the next worst thing to missing your flight at the airport? A delay. Finding out that the plane you were about to board to head to your destination is either not there, has no flight crew, or has an issue. So now, staying on time is not happening. And if you have a connection to make, you now have the added stress of not making that flight on time.
A lot hinges on the fluidity of moving parts when you’re traveling by airplane. As the traveler, you arrive early, check your luggage, proceed through security, and then locate your departing gate. You’re often not thinking about the flight crew, the security checks that the team has to complete, and the work the ground crew has to do to keep your aircraft running and to get your checked bag(s) on board. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
You may not be aware of it at the time, but you’re proceeding with faith. Trusting that everything and everyone will come together at the right time to get you where you need to be. Not to mention the faith you must possess to fly in the air at 30,000 feet with ground speeds up to 600mph or more. It’s pretty remarkable when you think about it. For some, it’s like a rollercoaster and exciting, while for others it’s terrifying.
As I was sitting in the airport recently, during a delay unfortunately, I couldn’t help but think about the “good” even amidst the change in plans. Yes, I was tired. We were running on about an hour of sleep and had already had one lengthy flight that had landed hours earlier. I was ready to be home, and I’ll admit, I was cranky. Nothing like being tired, hungry, and a change in plans to bring out the best in us, huh?
What was frustrating to me was that I could see the plane we were initially supposed to board. It was sitting right there at the gate in front of me. Everything looked fine on the outside. Honestly, it looked better than some others I had seen in passing!
What I couldn’t see was a safety issue that had been identified. Those pre-flight checks by all of the crew, had identified a potential hazard. While I don’t know exactly what happened, whatever it was, was enough to relocate us to a different gate to sit and wait for the arrival of a new aircraft. It was serious enough that we couldn’t fly.
Delays are not always final. Obviously, we made it safely to our final destination since I’m sharing this with you today. I was reminded of God’s plan for our lives. Sometimes it seems to change last minute. Maybe we feel so tired that we cannot think clearly. Or perhaps we feel cranky because we aren’t getting what we think we deserve at that time. We don’t like delays. We don’t care to be inconvenienced.
I pray that it will encourage you today that growth is good, and growth in the waiting season’s is powerful. May we trust God’s plans and timing for our lives. It won’t be a delay forever. One day you will look back and see an answered prayer. Don’t lose hope.
Oh, and the next worst thing to missing your flight and a delay: the middle seat. If you know, you know.
Psalm 145: 13-18, NLT
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
