You would think that would be a good thing. But I am trying to leave paradise in order to return home to my mundane life in a much colder climate. Never thought I would be eager to leave paradise, however I am in an airport attempting to do just that for the second day in a row. Now this airport may be in paradise, but an airport is an airport is an airport – it is NOT paradise inside this airport or any other airport for that matter. No palm trees, no warm sand between my toes, no soft sea breezes, no pelicans taking flight, no roosters incessantly crowing – that’s right, I said roosters. Who knew roosters freely roam the streets, the sidewalks, the outdoor cafes and all other places in paradise? I didn’t know this – but fun fact – roosters rule! But I digress.

How is day two of my attempted return to reality from paradise going? Well, it began with promise – the promise of an early morning flight that would get me to my connection and a final flight home. I showed up early, the flight was “on time” as listed on the board at the airport. Those are always welcome words for a traveler to behold – “flight #### to ? on time”. I beheld those words this morning at the airport right before the board switched and began displaying a traveler’s second most dreaded words “flight delayed.” (the most dreaded words are “flight cancelled”)

So my travel day is starting with a one-hour delay showing on the board (making many of those around me nervous about making connecting flights) when rumblings of mechanical problems and a possible flight cancelation are bandied about in the air around me. At this point I pondered the possibility of not being able to get a flight out again today even as I heard passengers around me and the lady behind the desk use the word “rebooking.” Then miraculously, the board changed again, now saying this flight (my flight) was going to take off after all, even though delayed.

So with hope restored that I might make it home today, I board my first flight of the day and leave paradise behind, taking with me memories, photos and of course a souvenir shirt. Arriving safely (and gratefully) at my interim destination, I immediately check the flight board for info on my connecting flight – the one that will take me home. And there, for the second time today, I am greeted with the second most dreaded words which are clearly displayed for all to see – “flight delayed.” (which explains why I am writing to you now, dear readers)

So here I am, having left paradise behind me, with home ahead of me – I am currently in limbo – a traveler on a journey – a journey with unexpected, unforeseen setbacks, twists and turns – not unlike the journey that is life itself. At present, I am surrounded by hordes of fellow travelers just as intent upon reaching their desired destinations as I am in reaching mine. Some are carrying more luggage than others are, but all seem focused on finding the concourse, gate or plane that will take them to the place they are pursuing so passionately. Sitting here at the gate that leads to my plane, the plane that will take me home, I am watching a non-stop parade of people heading purposefully in all directions, coming and going. I can’t tell which is which, all seem to be in a hurry, all seem to be focused on whatever it is that they are headed toward – all seem oblivious to their surroundings.

What is so hard about my journey from paradise to home these last two days? For me, it is the uncertainty, the not knowing what is going to happen next and having no control over the outcome of events. I make a good travel plan and then it gets changed by circumstances without my knowledge or consent. I plan my journey, but it doesn’t turn out as I had hoped or envisioned that it would. Sometimes harder, sometimes better – but always my journey is surprising. I think it’s like this Proverb says,

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) or –

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

As I write this, I am sitting in a crowded airport, awaiting with hope my “delayed” flight home. (as long as it is only delayed, there is still hope) I am hoping this “delayed” doesn’t turn into the dreaded “cancelled.” But there are no guarantees in this life, only faith, hope, trust, courage, perseverance, acts of kindness along the journey’s way (don’t wait for the destination to practice kindness and compassion, by then you will have forgotten how) My journey is filled with uncertainty as I’m sure yours is too, dear readers. And this can fill us with fear and anxiety because we don’t know from one minute to the next, what our futures hold. But there is One who does know the end from the beginning, and I trust Him.

” . . . I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

I will experience many more “delays” and “cancellations” as I continue my journey. But I do not need to travel in fear, filled with anxiety because I know that God is able to keep me safe until I reach my destination, which in a fun plot twist is both home and paradise at the same time! That’s heaven – our eternal home in paradise with Jesus. I will no longer be suspended between the two.

sincerely, Grace Day