Anchored
After arriving at the airport with plenty of time to pass through security and find the correct departure gate, we settled in to spend the next hour or two with our prepared pre-boarding activities. Glancing at the clock, I proudly patted myself on the back for all the well executed plans that preceded our successful arrival at our gate with so much time to spare. I even had time to purchase a hot beverage to sip at leisure before our flight. Returning from this errand, I noticed a frown on my husband’s face. As I sat next to him, I heard the dreaded news. Our flight had been delayed.
Winter weather was preventing flights from taking off in some locations and hindering arrivals in others. These delays had the potential to lead to missed connections, all due to circumstances outside of our control.
When a delay occurs, you can’t help but wonder if this is just the first incident in a series of bad luck. Will more incidents occur, falling like a row of dominoes, one toppling into the next, creating a chain reaction that will not end well?
Sitting at the terminal, watching the time for our delayed flight get pushed back once, twice, and yet again gave me ample time for contemplation. It led me to think of other times when things are out of our control that can lead to “delays” or setbacks in life.
Thinking about setbacks reminded me of the many conversations I have been having lately with mothers expressing concerns over adult children. Just like planning for a trip, much time, thought, planning, and prayer was poured into the raising of our children. Prayerful decisions concerning their development and influences over many years had permeated their upbringing. Yet, over and over, I’ve been having conversations with parents about heartache over a child’s decision to engage in sinful behavior or abandon Christian community. These are circumstances outside of the mother and father’s control, and in some cases they are circumstances that begin a chain reaction leading to missed connections.
One parent recently asked, “What did I do wrong?” as she wrestled with disappointment over the disconnect between her child’s decisions and her guidance and instruction. I gently reminded her that God is not at fault when we, His children, walk out of step with His direction. This is not to say that we are equal with God, but a reminder that individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions. However, in the midst of disappointment, it can be easy to feel unsure about the future and arrival at the desired destination.
Back at the airport, the airline finally made arrangements for our flight that had been placed on hold. Our trip, previously suspended in time, was back on. We made it to our landing place, road-weary but grateful to have arrived. At the end of the trip, we worshiped before returning home. A verse shared during the sermon took me right back to that airport contemplation about the parents I know currently struggling with concerns over their children.
In Matthew 28:18, Jesus states, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (NIV). He is ruling on the throne at the right hand of God!
When we forget this truth, we begin the process that can topple the next domino in the row, so to speak. Through all the uncertainties and disappointments of life, even those between a parent and child, we must remember that Jesus will not be removed from that throne. No amount of rerouting of flight patterns will ever diminish the security that comes from a life anchored to Jesus. As the words of the old hymn “We Have an Anchor”affirms: “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll.” Let’s attach ourselves to that immovable, steadfast rock and avoid disconnection caused by the “delays” and hindrances of life.
