I am writing this Ponderings on an airplane. Lauri and I have planned a little getaway and I am looking forward to a few days relaxing just with her. She really is my best friend. Travel isn’t always relaxing though, is it? You have to get to the airport in plenty of time to negotiate the ticket counter line and all the TSA hoops that you need to jump through. My belt has to come off… really, my belt? Then, dodge all the concourse traffic to get to your flight gate — why is my flight gate always the one packed with folks? A bottle of sweet tea costs how much?! I always get a chuckle out of all the people who will hurry to stand in line to board an airplane… jostling for position. Hello folks, you DO know we all have ASSIGNED seats, don’t you?
Now, apparently, there is a storm over the Carolinas. Even though we are cruising at 36,000 feet it is extremely bumpy with turbulence. You know, radiation heating the earth’s crust, warm air rising, cool air descending… turbulence. No worries… I have that iron stomach! Also, there is a very angry little baby about 2 rows back who is vocalizing her displeasure with the experience! I feel badly for mom back there doing her best in a hard situation. And what is that smell!
But the reality is that a few hours of discomfort is going to be worth it in the end… currently it’s 76 degrees in Orlando. 76 degrees! A little discomfort that will lead to the pleasure of a relaxing vacation. 76 degrees… so just what is the temperature in Willard today? Sorry for the gloat.
Sometimes life can be a little bit like traveling. So often, we have hoops to jump through and difficulties to navigate. Life turbulence can lead to a bumpy ride sometimes, can’t it? Family pressures, Worldly influences, health issues, relationship angst, work challenges, disappointments and regrets — all can lead to a bit of a life-queasy stomach. The reality is that sometimes our faith journey becomes a challenge, but if you think about it, that is what makes faith so powerful. Trust, confidence, hope… that the journey is going to be worth it!
Peter reminds us, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 The journey of faith will ultimately be completed when we walk through the gates of Heaven some day. And everything… all of the difficulties that we experienced along the way…will be worth it! 76 degrees… forever!
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