I have a little known secret. I hate flying. Yes, hate is a strong word but I'm pretty sure that it is the most accurate word for my rather impassioned feelings towards air travel.
"Why?" you may ask. "Aren't you that girl who travels trans-Pacific flights several times per year? Haven't you been flying since you were practically in utero? Don't you know how many people would love the chance to fly and you're COMPLAINING?
"And wait, aren't you going on an eleven month trip to eleven countries where you'll probably be flying…a LOT???"
Yes, all that is definitely true. I am in need of a major attitude adjustment, and I know God has some serious work to do in my life, but let me explain one of the reasons why I hate flying so much.
Sure, the takeoffs make me jittery, turbulence makes my heart run faster than Olympic Medalist Usain Bolt, and I'd prefer dog food over United's attempts at cuisine (they could learn a thing or two from most budget airlines in Asia).
But the worst of it has little to do with 'them' and very much to do with me. The truth is I'm a horrible packer. My suitcases (yes, plural) are notorious for being huge and overweight (in my defense, one suitcase is usually filled with gifts, and the other one is filled with clothes for multiple climates). I have paid more than my fair share of extreme overweight fees through the years. I have had to unpack and repack multiple suitcases in airports all over the world. I'm pretty sure half of the world's flying populace has seen my belongings scattered across airport floors at some point or another.
Needless to say, I was more than a little anxious when I arrived at the Beijing Capital Airport yesterday with a good chunk of my belongings packed in three obese beasts that dare to pass as suitcases. I was a nervous wreck. Not only was I saying an emotional goodbye to my home of three years in Beijing, but I faced the forlorn prognosis of a fat overweight bill to add to the pain.
Silly as it may seem, I sent an SOS prayer text to my friend Lynsay, who immediately sent a prayer text back, asking the Lord for His favor, and for gracious staff at the airport and His peace and provision over my journey as I trusted Him. Let me just say there was a resounding AMEN when I read her text.
As I approached the ticket counter with my sagging cart, I prayed again. I knew it would be a miracle if I wasn't charged for my suitcases. My heart was pounding as I stepped up to the counter.
I was speechless when the counter clerk tagged my bags and sent them on their way without a single glance at the scale. And then, as he handed over my boarding passes, he said, "Please be sure to stop by the Business Class Lounge by Gate 19 prior to boarding. Have a nice flight."
I was shocked. First, my beastly suitcases and their embarrassed owner had been shown unforeseen, inexplainable grace. Secondly, Business Class Lounge? Me? I knew my seat was still in sardine class (aka economy) but it suddenly dawned on me that God had answers Lynsay's prayers. Yes, God answers text prayers too!! Gracious staff, God's favor, and His peace and provision. Wow! Praise God!
I literally started crying, so powerfully moved was I by God's divine and gracious providence. He is SO good, all the time, even with the seemingly small things of life.
This coming year, I'm so excited to learn how to live out of a backpack and nothing more. It is going to be so freeing! No more excess baggage fees!! 🙂
Maybe I'll start to like flying again. Just maybe.
