Regardless of our ethnicity, fiscal condition, family status, or age - we have all been given 1440 minutes each day. If you, my friend, are like me – you have seen many who have mastered the art of “balance”. At one point, I considered myself to be among those Martha Stewart “wannabe” geniuses who successfully managed three children, a home, ministry/career, a social life, physical exercise, room mom duties, PTSA …all with a traveling husband. Regularly, my expertly managed weeks were topped off with fresh-baked goodies, seasonal decorations in and outside the house and weekly one on one breakfasts with my small children. Gone now are those days! The primary struggle of late is how to achieve a healthy balance…one that is honoring to my family, one that is honoring to God...oh yes, and one that does allow me to actually take care of “me”.
That last sentence may sound selfish – but I have given great thought to the speech given by flight attendants and have of course, counseled other girlfriends of mine, to ensure they are first taking care of themselves - so that they can properly care for their husband, children, and home. (Isn’t it funny how easily we forget to apply the advice we so freely give to others?)
So much has been created for us to enjoy, appreciate and reflect on – if we have etched out the freedom to do so by over-scheduling, double-booking, and people-pleasing…well, that’s not honoring to the One who created us…is it?
Tomorrow is a new day, a new week… a self-proclaimed new beginning to “Life management 101”…back to the basics. The flight attendant’s pre-departure speech is going to serve as a “basis” in this metaphor. "Any old flight attendant’s" words are in green – my Pilot’s words are in purple, and in my opinion, the preflight instructions sound something like the following:
Thank you for your attention while important safety information is reviewed.
Now that I have your attention…and you are feeling stressed out, depleted, over-worked, under-appreciated, constantly criticized, blamed and ridiculed - and heading for a collision…let ME remind you of some very basic principles (and by the way, at the end of yourself, is exactly where you needed to be right now.)
Federal law requires your compliance with all lighted signs, posted placards, and crew-member instructions.
I have a plan for you…one that promises a future and a hope. One that provides rest, refuge, joy and fulfillment that cannot be attained anywhere else on Earth – no matter how hard you try. BUT… when you deviate from this plan, when you do anything to extremes, when you work yourself too much – these things get in the way. My ways are best – and when you do your own thing, expect consequences. Pay attention to My WORD, to my promptings and listen to biblical counsel from those who love you. (Stop listening to the world…and to your disillusioned culture.)
To fasten your seatbelt, place the flat metal end into the buckle. To release, lift the faceplate of the buckle. Tighten by pulling on the strap. Your seatbelt should be fastened low and tight across your hips.
A lap belt? Really? I’ve got something better: The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
10Finally,(A) be strong in the Lord and in(B) the strength of his might. 11(C) Put on(D) the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against(E) the schemes of the devil. 12For(F) we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against(G) the rulers, against the authorities, against(H) the cosmic powers over(I) this present darkness, against(J) the spiritual forces of evil(K) in the heavenly places. 13Therefore(L) take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in(M) the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore,(N) having fastened on the belt of truth, and(O) having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and,(P) as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up(Q) the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all(R) the flaming darts of(S) the evil one; 17and take(T) the helmet of salvation, and(U) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying(V) at all times(W) in the Spirit,(X) with all prayer and supplication. To that end(Y) keep alert with all perseverance, making(Z) supplication for all the saints,
All flights are non-smoking. There is no smoking in the aircraft, including the lavatories. The lavatories are equipped with smoke detectors. Tampering with, disabling, or destroying a lavatory smoke detector is prohibited.
You’re not a smoker, but you do tend to have a few idols in your life ...this is an idol-free flight. Even when you self deprecate, when you underestimate your abilities, when you replay harsh, lifelong critiques from those that should have loved you better – you’re idolizing YOU. You are saying your weaknesses and your imperfections and even some of those ridiculous lies are far greater than ME. That’s the kind of idolatry I’m talking about. Remember, where you are weak – I am strong. You can do all things …when your strength is coming from the Ultimate Source. All other nonsense is strictly prohibited.
There are six exits on this aircraft... two doors at the front of the cabin, two window exits over the wings, and two doors at the rear of the aircraft. Again, there are two doors at the front of the cabin, two window exits over the wings, and two doors at the rear of the aircraft. Please take a moment now to locate the exit nearest you, keeping in mind that the closest useable exit may be behind you.
You’ve been given a free will. Let's face it, there are more than six ways in which you could exercise that will in any given situation. You could rely on self (where has that gotten you in the past?), you could blame others (you own your actions and decisions), you could self medicate (you’ve seen how that plays out in others…why would you want to go that route?), you could displace your emotions (you’ve certainly been the recipient of that one – not so good, eh?), you could “be a people pleaser” (what a waste of time and energy…You will ultimately suffer long term), You could give up and throw in the towel – (what if that’s not what I have in mind for you? You’ll honor me through faithful perseverance and obedience. You’ll be blessed.)
The cabin is pressurized for your comfort and safety. In the unlikely event of a cabin depressurization, oxygen masks will appear overhead. Reach up and pull the mask closest to you, fully extending the plastic tubing. Place the mask over your nose and mouth, and slip the elastic strap over your head. Tighten by pulling on the ends. The bag does not need to inflate for oxygen to be flowing. If you are seated next to a small child or someone needing assistance, secure your own mask first, then assist the child.
Okay, a common misconception among mortals- life really isn’t designed for your comfort and safety – although, too often you want to think that. When you hit turbulence, don’t be anxious, don’t be fearful. In all things, reach up…and pull toward me in prayer and supplication. Pray continually. You actually can do this anywhere – anytime. You don’t have to be in a special place, in a specific position – our conversation will flow freely regardless of your surroundings, and no tubing is necessary! Oh – and by the way, if you are responsible for taking care of a husband and/or a child(ren) – by all means, make sure you are communicating with me often. I will sustain you and I will give you what you need so that you can, in turn, give to others. You give too much, without coming first to the Well. How could you possibly expect to be all things to so many people – when you’re not first HEARING from me?
Your seat-bottom cushion serves as a flotation device. To use it, place your arms through the straps and hug the cushion to your chest.
AHHH… one of my favorites - the floatation device represents a respite of sorts. Let’s face it – if you’re floating aimlessly in the Pacific after your plane collided with the sea – some rest is in order. You feel that way now – there have been several air/sea collisions in your life and you keep flailing – STOP. Take deep breaths, be still. Don’t thrash around frantically – further exhausting yourself and making a spectacle of yourself in the rolling waves. Hold on to your floatation device,”ME”and allow your body to ride the current to safety – you’ll get there. Furthermore, you’ll encounter increasing trouble if you resist my ways and continue to “facilitate” your own rescue. Just hold on tight, listen for me – because I’m right there with you. I’ll not leave you. Calm down…it will be okay. Little child, how have you forgotten to rest? I made rest for you. You ignored the signs – you kept going, striving and attempting to prove something - and so I put you in the middle of a tumultuous sea, where you have no option other than to hold on, because you can’t see the shore – you know not what is lurking below your feet – and the waves seem ominous, but cling to Me. I brought you here for a reason. After you’re delivered safely to the shore, don’t forget this lesson. Make rest significant in the fabric of your life… stop doing so much. With excellence – complete the things I have assigned you, using the gifts that are uniquely yours.
Oh…and “Don’t make me tell you this one again… “
Well, in order for the captain to pull away from the gate area, it’s time to securely stow my luggage and shut off my my electronic devices…including cell phone, ipod, and laptop....(pun totally intended.) Toodles.
Speaking of luggage…I have another story, but after I reach the destination.
