...just as soon as the girls get off to school and I get showered and dressed and take Daisy and Joey to the dog and cat hotel.
Flying is not my favorite thing. I used to love it, but since having kids, I pretty much hate it. As I told the group of moms I met the other morning at MOPS, my dad is an engineer and has explained to me how the plane stays in the air. Still, I just don't get it.
I can totally relate to that song by the Indigo Girls about being up in an airplane, but preferring to be in my home on the ground!
As we talked about praying through your house the other morning at MOPS, I mentioned the idea of "breath prayers" that I first learned from Jan Johnson in her book, Enjoying the Presence of God. They are short phrases, often based on Scripture, that we can pray quickly and easily. They're those kinds of prayers that help me see it really is possible to pray without ceasing, because it's just lifting someone up with a phrase when you think about them. Or a situation. Or just a moment to praise God with a short prayer like, "Glory and honor and praise."
Anyway...
I totally have a breath prayer for when I fly--especially if there's lots of bumpy air. (How can air be bumpy? See it's just not natural!) It's from Deuteronomy 33:27, and goes like this, "Underneath are the everlasting arms."
Lift and drag? Aerodynamics? Wing shape? Whatever. It's God's hands keeping that plane in the air!
So if you're on my flight today and if it's bumpy and if you see some crazy woman with white knuckles muttering under her breath, that'll be me repeating over and over again: "Underneath are the everlasting arms."
I can totally relate...I used to love to fly but after the kids came I dread it! I like the idea of praying short verses. I will remember that next time I start freaking out on the plane.
Have a fun trip! BTW, I'm from the Puget Sound .....make sure you get your picture w/the Baristas at #1 Starbucks. They are happy to do it.
-Sara
Posted by: Sara | May 16, 2008 at 05:47 AM
Have a safe trip!
Posted by: Annabelle | May 16, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Breath-prayed for your flight (and heart) just now!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | May 16, 2008 at 07:03 AM
I pray that you have a fun and safe trip.
Many many thanks for your prayers for me and my family. I felt really special reading your mail.
Thanks for being who you are.
God Bless!!
Posted by: Priti | May 16, 2008 at 07:37 AM
I'm so smiling right now! My dad, grandpa, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband are all pilots. So I totally understand what your dad was trying to explain to you... and you're right! It is God's hands, baby! You betcha! No where safer! Praying for your peace no matter the weather!
(That is so funny... I just posted about weather and flying today too...)
Posted by: Amanda | May 16, 2008 at 08:10 AM
I'm with you on flying. I only do it because it's the best option sometimes! (Especially like when you're going to say, Hawaii.) That verse from Deut. is perfect. I'll have that in my back pocket next time!
Your pics from the next post are great. Looks like fun!
Posted by: Angie | May 17, 2008 at 09:47 AM