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Even More Out of Control


Last week, I wrote that we often do not have control of things once they leave our hands.  In this week’s post, I want to take being out of control to a whole new level.

Our flight home was supposed to take about 30 minutes once we took off.  But, after two attempts to land, our plane was rerouted to another airport to take on more fuel.

Our flight from the refueling airport to our original destination was supposed to take about 35 minutes once we took off.  But after another two attempts to land, we had enough fuel for just one more landing attempt before we would have to fly again to an airport for refueling.

It was all a bit nerve wracking.  As each of the landings was attempted, there was enough visibility that allowed the plane to begin its descent.  But, in each case, as we were within just a few miles of the airport, an incoming cloud would sweep in and reduce the visibility to the point below which it was safe to land.  It was a very obvious case where we couldn’t control the weather

And while the pilot of our plane was doing his part and our safety was never at risk, we, as passengers, were in a place where we could do nothing to contribute to the results or control the outcome.  Talk about doubly feeling out of control!

But we can know someone who is totally in control:  “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  (Col 1:15-17)

We didn’t end up having to fly to another airport again to take on fuel.  During that third attempt to land (fifth overall), no clouds swept through to hamper visibility and we landed.  People audibly sighed with relief and some even clapped.  It was great to get home without any further delays or detours! 

It was a very humbling reminder that we control so very little of what goes on in life.   And while I noted above that we, as passengers could do nothing to contribute to the outcome, I did leave out one very important thing, we could pray and trust our God who does control the outcome.



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