Take the weather, for example. Bad weather means delays and cancellations, and what's a traveler to do at the airport to overcome that challenge and make it to the destination? Nothing. Now, when I'm driving... Well, that's an entirely different story. When the weather turns bad, I put it in military mode, look to God, and say, "Here we go Lord, show me Your grace." I know, it sounds presumptious and maybe it is, but hardships were made for God's glory.
Anyway, I was scheduled to fly from Louisville, KY to Scranton, PA on Thursday this week. Due to a wonderful winter weather advisory that dumped sixteen inches of snow across PA and NY, all flights were cancelled. My travel agent, Pam Bolen with Carlson Wagonlit Travel who is absolutely one of the greatest, most helpful people I have the pleasure of knowing, checked my rebooking for the next day's flight AND bumped me up to first class at no additional charge. It didn't seem like much of a consolation, but I wasn't going to turn it down.
At the airport, I got in the "First Class" line to check my bags. I expected someone to tell me to go to the other line, as I am not a "First Class" passenger. No one did. At the gate they called for boarding. First class passengers always get to board first, so I got in line when they called for first class, again expecting to be turned away. Would you believe I wasn't? Me either.
Once I got on the plane and settled into my first class seat, I felt totally at home. Taking advantage if all the comfortable extras that first class seats offer, I laid my head back and waited for take off when I could turn on my electric gadgets and start being productive in flight. An hour later I woke myself up snoring and still at the gate. Man, those seats are comfortable!
Finally airborne, the flight attendant was extremely attendant. I was as comfortable on this flight as I have been in any travel, and felt completely at home. It was great. Come to find out, I was born for first class. Not that I deserve it or have earned it, but that I have a tremendous capacity to enjoy it.
What a picture of our Christian life. God has put us in first class. Amen? Most of us will never really get a hold of that fact until we're there. We go through this life expecting nothing more than the coach class travelers. There are certain privilages, benefits, and comforts that come with our first class ticket. Even though we're aware of these great and precious promise, we don't use them. There's the comfort that is available to us via the Holy Spirit of God, who comforts us in all our troubles. Then there's the amazing peace that passes all understanding. Have you experienced the fullness of joy that is ours in the presence of God? How about the everlasting pleasures that are at His right hand? Do you know the victory over all temptations and trials that we shall experience as we are more than conquerors in Christ? Freedom is available to all who walk in truth. Ah, yes! If you've been born again, you're born for first class.
Thank You, Father for such a wonderful illustration and reminder of my destination and Your promises, and for a travel agent who's focused on her clients.
