I was flying from St. Louis to San Diego through Chicago, connecting with a friend in Chicago for the second leg of the flight. I don't allow much extra time when arriving at my "home" airport in St. Louis but soon found I'd have plenty of time. I was delayed because of fog in Chicago.I would have preferred to stay home with my daughter a few extra minutes, but I decided to make the best of it. I had a book to review, so I grabbed a Starbucks and settled in.
My phone buzzed. Lisa was delayed as well. Her turnaround time in Chicago would be quick, so she looked into a later flight to San Diego "just in case." When my flight continued to be delayed, she encouraged me to do the same. However, I was assured at the counter the plane I'd be taking from Chicago was also delayed, so we'd "definitely arrive in time."
As we approached Chicago, I heard my departure gate information. Great news. I'd have at least 30 minutes to transition to the next terminal considering the time the gate agent estimated as our updated departure time. No problem. Then we were delayed as we were pulling into our gate. It wasn't ready, but I was excited to hear our arrival gate matched my departure gate. I'd have time to get something to eat.
I got off the plane and looked at the board to check the departure time. La Guardia? That's not San Diego! I rushed to a departure screen, hoping I wouldn't have to go far, but my flight wasn't listed. Assuming my original flight had already left, I checked the next flight the San Diego and headed to the gate. Another delay. But time to eat.
My phone buzzed. Lisa made it onto our original flight and wanted to know if I was on board. What? That meant she was still on the ground! I looked at another departure board..."FINAL BOARDING"! After a moment of directional confusion, I ran to my gate, and the airline agent closed the door behind me. Whew!
How do you handle delays?
Do you focus on the end result in anticipation for the end of the delay?
Can you rest in the delay? Be productive in the delay? Grow through the delay?
Do you become complacent in the delay?
When has God worked in a delay of your life, and how will you allow him to work in future delays?
I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust his word. - Psalm 130:5
Everything God made is waiting with excitement for God to show his children's glory completely. - Romans 8:19
Great thought-starter. Normally I would say that I am absolutely horrid when delayed. But, I have learned over the past year that when push comes to shove, in the Kingdom sense, I can and will rest, be productive and grow. Now, it isn't as if I am trying to polish my halo or anything. There are days that I am so frustrated with God that I can't see straight, but somehow, there is still that peace of knowing that He really is working everything out.
ReplyDeleteNow, on the other hand, ask me about waiting in lines, behind someone too nervous to pull out in traffic, or when an item I have ordered has not managed to appear over the horizon in a timely manner. :(
Susan,
ReplyDeleteAll about who is at the controls isn't it? Just experienced a taxi ride that didn't fit the time table in my mind. Posted it yesterday at thesanctuaryforwomen.org on Heartstrings, The Blog link.
Judy