Ever have one of those days when what should be so simple becomes so convoluted? Often it is only on reflection that it becomes clear……
Recently, Jimmy and I were traveling to Baltimore for the day. We had an engagement on a Friday afternoon, but we didn’t really want to spend the weekend, so we booked flights for a round trip within the day. All went well as we left early on Friday morning, arrived in plenty of time for our appointment and returned to the airport for our 4:30 flight.
As we were walking through the airport terminal approaching our departing “A” gate, we heard the announcement we were now departing from a different gate in “A”. Little did we know then, this was the beginning of the unraveling – lol.
We made our way to our new gate to find the gate area very crowded…..it would be a full flight. We watched as our plane arrived and the deplaning passengers scattered throughout the terminal. The time seemed exceptionally long as we waited for the boarding process to begin. It was then announced that a maintenance issue would keep this plane from traveling further.
The promise of another plane was made but we would need to change gates. The crowd at gate “A” began the trek to our new gate “C”. Once we arrived at gate “C”, it became apparent there wasn’t a plane at our gate. During our extended wait, I noticed several families with small children. One mother had a one-year-old strapped to her while she tended to her three- and five-year-olds. Another family had an eight-year-old, four-year-old, two-year-old along with twins strapped in carriers to Mom. There were also six passengers traveling in wheelchairs. There were lots of different circumstances and folks burdened with luggage, strollers, car seats, etc. I felt fortunate we were traveling without luggage and we were able to easily adapt.
The promised plane finally arrived and we began the slow boarding process. Once everyone was settled, the safety brief was given, however, the door to the plane had not been closed. We sat for an extended time and then, with what is never a good sign, the pilot emerged from the cockpit. He announced that due to the delay, the pilots had “timed out” and would not be able to make the flight. There were several outbursts of anger and frustration from the passengers. We sat for a while longer and then the announcement was made that we would deplane while we waited for new pilots to arrive. These pilots would be arriving from an international flight, they would go through customs, and then we would be on our way.
As we sat, once again, in the gate area it was apparent moods for some had changed. There was suddenly less enthusiasm among the travelers, some approached the airline’s desk demanding refunds or flight adjustments, adults grumbled and complained, but I noticed the children were all content. The families with small children played games, ate pizza, and while the parents looked exhausted, the children were still simply happy.
A cheer went through the gate area as our pilots arrived. Soon the slow boarding process began again. As we took our places in line, I noticed several passengers had opted to no longer make the trip. Everyone settled in, the safety briefing was given, the door was closed, and we waited…..and waited…..and waited. The pilot announced there was a maintenance issue. The “exit” sign for the emergency back doors was not illuminated, therefore, we were not able to leave. Again, there were outbursts of frustration from the passengers. Shortly, maintenance arrived on the plane and removed the sign. We waited and eventually the sign was replaced and we were finally on our way.
I was so very thankful when we finally arrived at our airport at 12:30am from our 4:30pm flight…..landing seven hours late, but home safely. Our plane was continuing on to Nashville. As we deplaned, there was an anxious group of passengers who had endured the long wait of our arrival, eager to finally begin their journey.
Such a long day for so many!
HOWEVER…..as we were waiting on the plane for the “exit” sign to be replaced…..a calm passed through me and it became so obvious…..there was a reason for all of this….. We are so very often protected from things, events, circumstances we have no awareness of. Often we think we are being inconvenienced when, in fact, we are being protected.
While waiting on the plane, I began to pray in thanksgiving. Thankful for the protection that was provided…..regardless if the protection was for Jimmy and me or for someone else involved. Was it for all 175 people on our plane? Was it for one individual on our plane? Was it for one individual who was waiting to board for the continuation flight to Nashville? Was it for one of the individuals who decided to opt out of making the trip after the delay? Was someone not intended to arrive at the destination at all? Was someone not intended to arrive on time, but at a later time? Was it regarding the first plane? Was it regarding the first set of pilots?
These are questions I will never know the answers to, but with certainty, I do know this…..I trust in the Lord always! I trust in His protection and His plan. I trust He was in control of our day, our travel, and our arrival. I trust we witnessed something greater than delayed flights play out. I could take this further (and risk all of you thinking I am crazy-lol) but I now understand why there were no crying or fussing children during the long hours.
There are times we know we have received protection and there are times we just cruise through our day completely unaware of the protection around us.
Take comfort that the Lord is in control and with you always!
I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121: 1,2, 7-8
As for God, His way is perfect; the Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31
