Delayed

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

Bandages

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

Have you been in the “first aid” aisle of a large convenient store lately? There are rows and rows of different types of bandages. Waterproof bandages, clear bandages, flexible bandages, small bandages…and bandages so large I can’t imagine not needing to go to the hospital instead!

The amount of bandages to choose from can easily become overwhelming. But maybe we can learn something from the large selection. Grab a couple bandages from your cabinet.

Think about how someone has cared for you. Be specific. Did someone give you a hug when you most needed it? Brought you food when you were not feeling well? Picked up a child when you were running late? Write on one of your bandages to signify how someone cared for you…or maybe just write that person’s name on the bandage.

Now consider how you have cared for someone else. Did you send a note of encouragement? Hold someone’s hand in the waiting room of a hospital? Help with a project without being asked? Write on your second bandage to signify how you have cared for someone else.

Care looks very different across situations and people. There is no cookie cutter care…no one size, shape or color of bandage that works for every wound. We must meet people where they are and allow others to meet us where we are.

Take time today to thank someone who has cared for you. You can even place your bandage in a note card along with some words of gratitude. And place the other bandage in a prominent place to remind yourself of the importance of caring for one another, for “No one ever hated his own body but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church, for we are members of his body” (Ephesians 5:29-30).

Pray…and place your trust in God, who knows what we need when we personally need care as well as when we need to care for someone else.