I Want To See My Daughter...Now!
Yesterday around noon, my cousin got a text saying our flight was delayed and we would miss our connecting flight in Charlotte. We spent 2.5 hours on the phone trying to get another flight. Our flights were changed to fly out of RDU so we would not miss a full day in Portland. We packed the car, called Mike and Mom to tell them we were leaving. As soon as we got our luggage packed we got a call that that flight plan would not work. We unpacked the car and called Mike. He took us to the Wilmington airport and we got in line with our bags. Thankfully, we were second in line when we found out our flight was cancelled. They wanted us to come back the next day at the same time. Enough passengers were talking that we learned the computers were down for all PSA flights. 18 flights were cancelled and there was nothing left and this had gone on for a week already. Tensions were rising!
A sweet lady helped us and said if we were willing to go to RDU and fly out she could have us leaving the next morning. I was ready to cry because we had a reservation in Portland that night. We have a packed schedule with Sarah around her work and school. We were put in a taxi to Raleigh. All the taxi driver could talk about was tips. How he expected them and how mad he gets if people have the money and don't tip him enough, etc. He was on my last nerve! We were put up in a Motel...not hotel! We checked in, walked to dinner and checked our flights. We got to our room around 12. Usually my cousin and I stay together but we had two rooms. Around 1 am I was getting ready to lay down when she called. There was a bed bug in her bed! She had it in a cup to show me and sure enough! We could hardly talk for scratching.
We were so frustrated, tired and over it! The front desk was slammed and did not seem surprised. Basically, we took showers there. We were chatting at 2am and our alarm went off at 2:30am. I lay there thinking about the day. She and I are good about being able to laugh things off. It was that or cry! I found myself thinking, "God, what do you want me to take from this?" All I could come up with was patience.
Patience is such a hard thing and I think it is like a journey. You never get there....you just keep trying. I thought of Colossians 3: 12, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentlemness and patience." I am dearly loved and I am blessed to be able to go and visit my daughter! Think of how many parents could not do that. I thought about how good God is to me and I am going to get mad about an obnoxious taxi driver! I am not one to say something but I do think it and in God's eyes that is not good. He knows what I am thinking! I was so mad I was not going to tip the man because he kept talking about money. But then I had guilt because I was thankful to get to RDU. I wanted to get to Portland and I needed to get to RDU to make this happen!
I googled scripture and found Colossians 1:11, "...being strengthened with all power according to the glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience." Yes, it was a hard day and frustrating but it could have been a lot worse. I was just inconvenienced! This scripture tells me that we are given just what we need...we are strengthened... for whatever we may face. The strength He gives us is sufficient! We are to be able to withstand hardship without failing. What good would it do to tell someone off? God's power gives us patience. I may have to keep asking for it!
Galatians 5: 22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." I had to use self control and this comes from God. It is not natural for my selfish human ways. When we use God's power it gives us joy and moves our minds from being irritated to seeing the blessings.
I have just gotten to Sarah's and she has made brunch for us. We were able to sleep on the plane and I am too excited to sleep now! I am so grateful that I get to come stay with her. I am so grateful that my husband supports these trips. I am so grateful that my cousin and I love to travel together. I am so grateful that Sarah wants me to come stay with her. I have so much to be grateful for!
What is the reason for your impatience? Pride? Control? Comfort? Fear? Selfishness? Distrust?