i love airports. i love the giant windows with a crystal clear view of all different kinds of people embarking on special and beautiful journeys. i love the excitement that electrifies the place. i love the endless possibilities. i revel in the fact that i can hop on a flight and end up what feels like a million miles away.
but, sometimes, airports aren’t my favorite place to be. filled with stressful walks through security. delayed or cancelled flights that you were so looking forward to. the scratchy sound of another airport employee informing you of bad news. the impending disappointment and sense of urgency to figure out a new plan.
for example, i’m currently sitting in an airport on my way home from the happiest place on earth. yes, disney world. and it was everything i ever wanted it to be and so much more. filled with magic and sweetness like no other. i shared the experience with my beautiful best friend and we indulged in having a childlike vacation. but reality sets in and we got in a car and buckled up to start the trek home. when getting to the airport security we experienced some delays.
i was pat down for starters. new experience for me for sure. took about an extra ten minutes and the stress was rising. then comes the intercom with the news that our flight was delayed. and the disappointment began to peak in a little.
and sometimes. thats how i feel about god.
god has put what feels like some major “delays” in my life. and majority of the time. it disappoints me or leaves me heartbroken. or just plain angry. i love plans almost as much as i love airports and when god tells me no to a plan i have so “perfectly” picked apart, man am i left utterly confused and maybe a tad angry with him.
i was so conflicted about what my future was supposed to look like for so long. confused and constantly feeling ambushed with the confrontation of expectations and god’s will. i wanted to go to college because thats what everyone else was doing, it was always the plan i had made, and i didn’t like the change that could be made. but as i heard god speak so clearly to me about his timing and about obedience. i’ve learned how to be content and joyous. which has lead to so much peace and excitement for this next chapter of life during the world race.
i declared to stand before god and say “here am i”, and with that i abandoned my own timing and plans. i abandoned the idea of college (for now). i threw away feelings of fear of missing out, insecurities in relationships because of long distances. doubts that i was making the right decision.
i could hop on a plane right now and my flight be smooth sailing with beautiful views and the next one i take could have delays upon delays and when i finally get on it have terrible turbulence. but that’s life. and that’s a good life. it brings strength, growth, the ability to love life no matter the turns or the times god looks down at you with so much love and still says, “child that’s not for you right now.”
so hop on the flight. enjoy the spectacular view of creation. and when the turbulence comes or the timing isn’t perfect put your earbuds in and listen to your favorite song and thank god for his precision and beautiful timing.
“there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
ecclesiastes 3:13
