The only words worse to hear than “I’m sorry, your flight has been cancelled,” are the ones that say, “Ma’am, we don’t know the location of your luggage.” And last Wednesday at Ft. Lauderdale’s Airport, three hundred twenty-five miles from our destination, we heard both schedule-shattering-statements.
My husband went directly to car rental, while I attempted to retrieve our luggage. All Jacksonville bound passengers stood and waited. An hour passed while three claims agents searched records, made phone calls, and searched the plane for our luggage.
With no success, one threw her hands in the air and said, “I have no idea where any of your bags are. We have no numbers on them. They’re probably sitting on a runway in Houston or on their way to Baltimore.”
My heart plunged to my boots as I realized during the chaos I misplaced my jacket that held a pin I had given to our daughter the Christmas before she died. Distraught would have described me. Perfectly.
I’m sure many of you feel my pain, but we’re first-timers. I’d love to tell you my reaction was one of mercy and grace. Not so much.
Now I understand why those hundred pound sweet things tote their roller bags down the plane aisles, hoist them to the seats but can’t lift and smash them into tiny overhead bins. I’ve viewed them with disdain through the years and checked all my luggage. Never again.
In the rain and at night, it took seven hours to drive to Jacksonville. And the reality of the situation soaked into my brain.
I had no clean clothes. No cosmetics. No clean underwear. Not even a comb or toothbrush. And we had to be at a celebration early next day at an Air Force base in Georgia where my son was to take his “fini” flight in his A10 Warthog.
The jeans and sweater on my body were it. I had lost my jacket. So I wallowed in poor-pitiful-pearl mode, contemplating what I would look like by morning.
In the middle of my despair that small voice whispered, “Think about those wandering the streets tonight who only have the clothes on their back.” I know, I whined, but I have to go to a party tomorrow and that brand new outfit I bought to wear is who-knows-where. How could I possibly go in the clothes I had on? What would everyone think?
We arrived at 10 PM to spend the night with my BFF, Pat, and her husband, Rick. Pat had a pot of chicken soup on the stove, our bed turned down, and pajamas laid out for both my husband and me. With my last conscious thought and a full tummy Wednesday night I thanked the Lord Jesus for caring friends.
In the wee hours of the morning I startled awake and scriptures began pouring through my mind:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:6-7 NAS).
Hope was resurrected. I shouldn’t be anxious. God knew the location of our luggage. Maybe the bags would be at the airport in the morning and we could pick them up on the way out of town. Then Paul’s words came:
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13 NAS).
My stomach knotted. Anxiousness rushed back in and I knew the luggage would not be there in the morning. And I cried, “but God—”
And these words flashed neon.
“And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (I Timothy 6:8 NAS).
I lay there stunned as my whole being digested God’s words and I squirmed. His words hung in my mind, reprimanding me. My whole focus had been on me. My new outfit. My trip. My son. And I was ashamed.
Glancing around the darkened room, familiar, treasured objects from years past caught my attention and reminded me I was warm, dry, fed, and with friends who loved me and I loved them. Memories of our families and past good times lined up and marched single file through my melting heart. And I thanked God for Pat’s warm jammies and she and Rick’s friendship.
Next morning Pat laid out a lovely lavender sweater and jacket for me to use. In the bathroom she shared her stash of makeup samples and we left for the festivities, relatively put together.
This day was not about me, it was a celebration of our son, Michael, and his successes. Who would even notice what I had on. And I flushed that streak of pride down the toilet.
It was a grand day with family, giving honor to our son and daughter-in-love, and to the men who give their lives for our freedom to be Americans. And I was grateful to them and to the Lord God. And delighted to be included in this Air Force tradition.
Late Thursday evening our luggage was located, in Jacksonville, and we picked it up on our way back to Ft. Lauderdale to return the rent car and catch the returning flight to Dallas. As we pulled into the Lauderdale airport I told Dick I wanted to check lost and found for my jacket. He said, “Honey, don’t get your hopes up.”
A very nice young man asked if he could help. I gave him a description of the jacket and the pin. And he returned in a moment with my jacket, complete with the pin. I cried tears of gratitude and joy! He smiled and said, “And it was a passenger who found it.”
Yes, a passenger who may or may not have known that God guided their heart and actions that day to teach this old lady to wait on the Lord. He’s in control of all things. I am not.
However, next time I fly I will not pack my underwear, nor my cosmetics, nor a clean change of clothes. And I’ll be first in line this weekend to purchase one of those detestable roller bags to stuff in those crowded overhead bins—just in case.
I know many of you reading this blog have likewise suffered painful experiences that taught you humbling lessons. Please share them with us in the box marked comments. God allows us to go through hard lessons so we can share what He’s taught us.
Oh yes. One Sunday morning, I could not decide between two different pairs of black heels to wear, and so put on one of each to get my family’s opinion. They were as undecided as I was. Sighs.
Later, while standing before the whole church, on the worship team, I realized I still was wearing one of each. Whew. At least they were similar in color. Hope no one noticed. :-\
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Kat, isn’t it wonderful to get older and hopefully more mellow? I’ve got older down pat, just waitin’ on the mellow part.
DiAne
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Oh, me too. 🙂
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Hi DiAne,
I so enjoyed this.
What a proud moment for all of you. So like the enemy to want to steal your joy, but “greater is He.” Looks like two of you earned your wings that weekend. Well done.
Blessings, Starr
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Starr, it was indeed a proud moment. He has done well. But when will I ever learn to wait on God without going through the melodrama-meltdown? How will we face real trouble and survive if we/I develop such heartburn with the small stuff?
DiAne
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DiAne,
Thank you for sharing your story. It was very moving and brought tears. I was so happy you got the pen back.!
Thank you for wisdom in perseverance.
Hebrews 10:39 ~ But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
DeAnna
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DeAnne, God is always faithful, it’s just when the rockets are exploding all around us it’s hard to keep focused on Him. That’s why during the calm we must be diligent to study, to commit those scriptures to memory. The problem with most church members is their hearts and minds are blank screens when it comes to the required knowledge of the Word. Thank you for reading and commenting. And we have to remember, there are only three kinds of folks–those currently in the war zone, those who’ve just returned, and those waiting to go.
Blessings…DiAne
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I enjoyed your post. Glad you had time with family & friends. Got to admit the title caught my attention. Ha! You’re so right. We must keep in perspective just how important our inconveniences are.
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One of those hard but necessary lessons, Janet. Thanks for reading and commenting.
DiAne
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You had me weeping with the loss/found pin story, DiAne. I thanked God with you for directing the finder. SUCH a God of detail – so amazing. While I was converted years ago (after losing luggage in Korea) to a carry-on-only gal, I can relate to the experience, the self-focus, and (head held low) the obnoxious “but God” response. Liked your quick turnaround and your appreciation of the lesson. Like you, I’d like to evolve from getting quicker at seeing God’s hand in all to automatically seeing God’s hand in all.
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Diane,
Wonderful article! I so enjoyed reading it as with everyone you write. So thankful all was returned. Answered prayer for sure. It was wonderful to see Dick and you after all this time. We must stay in touch. Michelle was the glue that held us all together and she would want us to stay close! Keep on doing what you are doing. God is using you in a mighty way. Anytime you need to come to Florida we have a guest room. Judy
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Judy it was indeed so good to be together and share the celebration of Michael’s achievements. They made it half way to their destination today. Pray for them as the days ahead may be challenging. Thanks for reading and commenting.
DiAne
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Great article DiAne! I always carry on my make-up, hair accessories, contact lense stuff and glasses, meds, and try to remember to put in a change of underwear and clothes. I’m so glad you got everything back. When my daughter got married my hair was mad at me and would not cooperate. I had to keep repeating to myself, Its not about me! They’re not looking at me!
Sorry, but I have to comment on your title. It sounds like to me your saying don’t take underwear. I will always pack my underwear but will not put it all in my checked bag. The editor in me says it should say, Don’t check your underwear. And shouldn’t it be, I thank God for . . . her and Rick’s friendship? If you take out ‘and Rick’s’ it would be her friendship. Please don’t hate me. 🙂 I cannot read anything anymore without (unintentionally) critiquing it!
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Lynn, I know what you mean about editing, but I find “Don’t check your underwear” to be hmmm, shall I say it could have several meanings and I sure didn’t want that. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
DiAne
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Mrs. G what a heart felt story(tears). I would have felt the same way. Thank god for the wonderful friends that we have. I’m happy it all turned out to be great including the celebration. By the way I love the pictures.
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Audrey, thank you so much for reading and letting me know this blog touched your heart. As old as I am I still sometimes develop a brain freeze and fail to remember God has everything in control…even the insignificant stuff I latch my fingers around and scream “mine!”
DiAne
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Although I have long been a carry-on only kind of gal, I’ve felt the frustration resulting from self-focus that you described so clearly. What an amazing story and testimonial! I am mentally preparing for a trip that will take me out of the country (and far outside my comfort zone,) and I have to remind myself DAILY to stop dwelling on niggling details related to my own potential comfort – or discomfort. I know God is in control, but keeping that front and center in my mind is such a challenge. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Natine, My prayers will be lifted for you as you travel. I believe one of Satan’s slickest tricks is to constantly attempt to divert our focus. He’s like a perpetual boogie man in disguise. My prayer each day is “Lord, keep me from deception.” Remember God promises in the Psalms, “He gives His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Have a safe and wonder trip and thanks for reading and commenting.
DiAne
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Well written. Glad you got to see your son in his A-10. He is a true hero, flying that plane so close to the ground to take out the enemy. The way I feel , he is not just a pilot he is an aviator, there is a difference. Glad you recovered your things. See you in church Sunday.
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Thanks Jimmy. And I do understand the difference between a pilot and an aviator. I’ll send your message along to him. He is my hero!
DiAne
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We flew across the Pacific once without our tickets–back before the age of computers and email–because they were accidentally left at a restaurant we’d eaten at the night before! God took care of us! The tickets were retrieved from the dumpster and the numbers wired ahead of us, and we marveled the whole way how we were still on the flights we were supposed to take!
Missing luggage is horrible; it happens to a lot of people although I can’t say that it’s happened to me (one of the few types of possible airline mishaps that hasn’t) and I’m so glad you got it back. I have lost stuff, though, that we forgot to take off the flight with us…
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What is that scripture says: “Count it all joy when…..” Still have trouble with that one, don’t you? But, I’m better than I used to be. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting Krysti!
DiAne
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