Lessons from Air-travel

Did I forget Something?

Before my trip, I was busy with activity trying to do laundry and gather belongings to take with me. My husband usually distracts me with suggestions while I’m doing all this, but this time he was silent. He is learning to just let me do my thing. He knows that I don’t multitask well anymore. So once I was done, I sat down beside him and said, “Honey, tell me what you think I need to do, or is there something you think I may have forgotten.” He smiled and started telling me his suggestions. For example: “Do you have enough cash? Did you bring your swimsuit? Have you made an identification tag for your new backpack yet?” After each recommendation, I ran off to comply. I am so thankful for my husband, who is willing to share his thoughts so I’m thoroughly prepared for my trip.

My prayers are like this too. Many times they are requests for the day-to-day help I need from God. After I do my own thing, then I check in with God just in case I forgot anything. At any point, I could have asked my husband what his recommendations were for my trip. During the beginning, middle or end of my packing, he would have happily shared his thoughts. So what is best? Is it best to pray at the beginning, middle, or end of what I’m doing? Hmmm, probably all three. My next lesson was during the flight.

Seated on the Plane

I was looking at all the tiny farms and houses and contemplated how God could care for each of the people living in them. I heard God’s faint voice say to me, “It’s easier when people are looking UP at Me. If I have their attention instead of “all the things” or people-pleasing, I can direct them, comfort them, then send them needed help. But if they are looking to others – needs go unmet. Others may not know your true need, and most of the time, you don’t either. But I know ALL your needs and shall supply them according to My riches and glory.”

Sometimes we are in the clouds and cannot see where we are going. It’s easy to get disoriented. Thankfully, whether we are overwhelmed with life or in the clouds, God is there to direct us, comfort us and send needed help. God sees us. He knows where we are. We are not lost. But my trip is not over yet. What will I learn next in one of the busiest airports in the United States?

Making a Connecting Flight

In most large airports, thankfully, they have moving walkways. These are extremely helpful to a weary traveler. On this particular trip, they were all closed and under repair. Wow, it seemed like it took forever. A whole lot of walking. Contrast that to other trips where I was on the moving walkway, I felt like, wow, this is so nice to walk twice as fast as usual. For almost two years during Covid, I feel like we have been walking next to a broken-down walkway. This has been the slowest time of my life. Life’s regular events that speed us along and show us where we are during the year were canceled or changed to where we didn’t even recognize what month it was anymore. Sometimes life is like that. It seems like every step we walk, we have to trudge by ourselves without any help.

My patience for my life, broken down by all these trials, is wearing quite thin. Events seem like that broken-down walkways. I can’t get anywhere fast with any real efficiency, and this is affecting my mood. I am reminded that God lovingly planned for these days. He also knows we are impatient, limited and has provided His grace for where we are. Even though I had to walk the long walk in the airport terminal using more shoe leather than normal, I still had plenty of time to arrive at the next gate for my connecting flight. There is plenty of time in each of our days as well. So be patient and walk at a regular pace, just like everyone else. Soon I boarded the plane and located my assigned seat. Whew! It felt so good to sit down! I’m thankful to be getting close to my destination.

The Destination

My favorite part of the trip was when I saw my loved one on the other side of security. Their face had a huge welcoming smile because I made the trip- safely. And I’m smiling because finally, I am with the person I had traveled all day to meet. Once we made eye contact with each other, my pace naturally quickened. Then the hugs, kisses, laughter, and stories started. We made it! We are together once more and life is good.

This reminds me of when we will meet the Lord Jesus in heaven. What a joyous occasion that will be! All the toiling and fretting will be over. Our journey will be complete, and we will be at our final destination. Our loved ones will be there with hugs, kisses, laughter. We will share stories of miracles and God’s faithfulness. What a joy that will be! But my most immense joy will be receiving a great big hug from my Savior Jesus Christ. Finally, my soul will be at rest. I will be home at last.

“Always be joyful. 
Never stop praying. 
Be thankful in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you
who belong to Christ Jesus.“

From the lessons I learned from my air travel, I think I have the answer to the question when should I pray? God’s Word says: “Never stop praying.” From asking if I forgot something, to being seated on the plane, then making a connecting flight, and finally at the destination: “Never stop praying. “

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Thank you for riding along with me. I enjoy your comments and likes. They let me know you are out there. Also, if you’d like these in your inbox, subscribe below. I don’t spam. I just tell you when the next post is available 2-4 times a month. Lastly, if you have a prayer request for me, you can enter it below.

I hope you have a joyful and thankful heart during your daily travels.

Kim

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT