I do not imagine air travel is much fun for anyone. A gentleman in front of me on my Billings to Denver flight was a frequent flyer for business. He was commenting on the “delay” we were experiencing when Denver air traffic held our plane on the ground since they had a deluge of planes already trying to land at Denver. They were trying to clear some air space for us … that was a comforting thought!
He remarked that this was becoming all too common, and he just wanted to get off and go home!
I found that this trip was an especially humbling one. Two other trips, combined with this one, show my decline. The first trip I was healthy and fit, and even spent time waiting between flights to stride around the terminals to get my “steps” in. The next time I used my cane, but still was able to manage in the terminals and getting on the planes without assistance. This last trip was different, I needed the wheelchair assistance.
It is sobering to see my reflection in those air trips. It was apparent that I was now classified as “old and feeble.” Please do not get me wrong, I am greatly appreciative of all the help I received, not only during the fights, but while visiting in Montana.
It is just moving from “healthy and fit even for my age” to “needing a lot of assistance” is a humbling experience. It is moving from “having the grace to give” to “having the grace to receive.”
Yet, at various times in our lives, we must “have the grace to receive.” Those times may be temporary, or they may become permanent for the rest of our lives. Only God knows that.
I Peter 4:10: “Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.”
Sometimes we serve others as a good manager of the varied grace of God. Sometimes we are served by others. Either way, God’s grace is flowing as it should.
