Turbulence
Monday, August 18th, 2008
So I was flying home from Denver this week, and as is often the case, the weather was iffy. Denver is notorious for thunderstorms in the summer and it’s often bumpy to fly in and out during August. Sure enough, we take off into a bank of clouds.
Great, I’m thinking. I make a pact with God that I won’t complain about the pregnant woman ahead of me whose seat is reclined all the way nor the 7 year old sitting behind me kicking my seat if only the air can stay smooth.
I often pray for smooth air when I’m flying. I don’t really believe we’re going to crash, but it’s just so uncomfortable and out of my control. I’m ashamed to admit I have spent up to half an hour on a flight simply asking God, over and over, to make the air smooth. What I want is comfort, and the reassurance that nothing is going to worry or harm me.
Isn’t that how we are in life, sometimes, too? Instead of praying for the welfare of others, or that people would draw near to Christ, or any of a thousand worthy causes that need our intervention we pray for smooth air. No financial difficulties, no relational difficulties, nothing at all to disturb the illusion that we are in control.
I think next time I’ll spend one minute praying for smooth air and 29 for things that will matter after we land, too.
