I can remember a time where, on K-Love (the Christian radio station), there was an excerpt that played over and over again comparing our problems to that of a plane ride. The excerpt explained that often times we get caught up in our own perspective, underneath the “clouds” of life. It isn’t until our plane breaks through the clouds, that we realize there’s a lot of God-given beauty above, all around, and frankly all throughout our seemingly dreary situation.
As I write this from my window seat aboard Southwest Airlines flight 369 to Chicago Midway, I know there are a few people in a season of life that seems, well dreadful. On the contrary, I know there are those who are standing on a mountain top, in a season of favor. Whether you’re in a valley, on a mountain, or somewhere in between, know that there’s a much bigger and brighter reality “above the clouds.”
As always, I have a story. For those who know me, I tend to be a forgetful individual. From forgetting birthdays, names, to even my own responsibilities for a specific day; it shows up everywhere in my life. Today things were going smoothly. I somehow managed to fit all of my belongings into two suitcases, (credit to Abby for that), I was going to be on time for my 2:40 flight, (a rarity for me, and my family for that matter), and I was getting excited to see my friends back at school. After some unexpected traffic, weather, and what seemed like a mile long security line, I found myself rushing to gate A1 to make my flight. Fortunately for me, the flight had been delayed half an hour and I was more than on time. Everything was great.
As I settled down against the wall awaiting to board I heard an all too familiar women’s voice over the airport’s intercom. “To the young man who had the grey Nike jacket at the alternate security check point, you left it here, it’s at the desk.” It was Tina, the TSA agent who I had talked to only a few minutes before. Now, here I was 10 minutes before boarding time, only a shuttle and a few escalators away from security. A lot of people would say no jacket is worth sprinting through the airport to retrieve. However, I am not like a lot of people. In my mind was it worth it? Definitely.
Off I went at a full on sprint wearing a winter jacket like parka, half-carrying-half-dragging my overstuffed backpack, sweating as if I had just reached mile 25 of a marathon. Dodging people, luggage taxis, and strollers wasn’t sure if I could make it. I jumped on the next shuttle back towards security, and hurried out to meet my final obstacle: two flights of down-going escalators. Upon my last, not so graceful step a top the escalator, I was greeted by my new friend Tina, clutching my grey Nike hoodie. “You must really like this hoodie, kid” She exclaimed in between giggles. I thanked her, and began my jog back to gate A1. I arrived drenched in sweat, only to learn that my flight would not begin boarding for another fifteen minutes. Oh the joy of airports.
Nonetheless, here I am, enjoying my watered down Coca-Cola 10,000 feet somewhere above Lake Michigan, grey Nike sweatshirt tucked safely under my seat. Looking out of my window, I’m reminded that the God of the universe is still at work, this time in the form of a sunset. As if looking directly at me in my goofy, somewhat stressful situation saying, “Be still and know I am God.” I hear ya loud and clear big man.
So wherever you’re at: On a mountain, in a valley, heading back to school, wondering what you’re going to do without the kids at home now that the holidays are over, or sprinting through Pittsburgh International Airport, be still and know, that He is God. And He chose you.
If nothing more, I hope you can get a laugh out of my life experiences. To everyone headed back to Hope, safe travels. We’ll see you soon!
With Love,
Steve