Airports, bus terminals, train stations; they share one thing in common — a place to wait. Waiting areas also hold something else in common. Their designers do not expect people to use them for extended stays.
Although I can’t exactly prove my suspicions, I believe airports, bus terminals, and train stations take the following criteria into account before purchasing furniture. Will the seating provided cause severe discomfort if sat upon for more than an hour? Is it impossible to spread yourself across two or three chairs so you can take a quick nap? Does the chair’s blinding white colour reflect the stark lighting of the waiting area to create that perfect harshness that will discourage deep relaxation? Can the seating be bolted into place far away from public bathrooms and fast-food establishments so waiting passengers must drag their luggage everywhere they go?
Even if you pay to use the private premium lounges that many airlines offer, you find that they aren’t designed for long layovers either!
An airport gate will never be our home away from home. Its purpose is to transition us from where we have been to where we are going. Blaring announcements of departing flights serve as a constant reminder. Helpful boarding staff wait to usher us on our waiting planes. Ticket agents will help us find alternative routing if emergencies arise. We aren’t meant to stay and we are expected to pass on through. We’ve cleared security, and we aren’t meant to return to where we just left. There is only one direction to go, and that is forward!
Occasionally, God’s itinerary leads us to times of transition. He might instruct us to wait as he prepares us for the next step in our journey. He often provides rest and refreshment during those seasons. However, much like a wait at an airport gate, these transitional periods are not our final destination. The longer we remain past our boarding time, the more uncomfortable our stay will become. Restlessness replaces rest; apathy displaces action. Indifference hinders involvement.
Personal Application
Are you feeling directionless? Do you find yourself increasingly uncomfortable the longer you stay put? Have you noticed that your travelling companions have long since left the gate? Perhaps it’s time to consult with your Heavenly ticket agent. Have you missed your flight because of complacency or inattentiveness? Don’t worry! God is able and willing! He will help you to continue the journey if you consult with Him.
The same God who gave Jonah a second chance will also provide you with a second chance. You might have missed your flight but God is an expert in finding you a seat on the next plane out. Hopefully, your new itinerary won’t involve any whales!
Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
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All Bible verses attributed to the ESV version unless otherwise indicated.
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Until Next Week,
©2019 Katherine Walden
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