perspective

It all started in the bathroom. My hubby was showering. I was standing in front of the mirror putting on my make-up. “What am I going to do about these wrinkles around my eyes?” Despite not being able to see him, I know he smirked, then giggled. Am sure he thought “what is the right answer?” I didn’t give him time to respond. I mused, “Pretty worldly concern, huh?”

Our conversation proceeded and ultimately led him to share about a message he heard days prior. We had a great conversation. He left me with this sentence, “Life is just a layover.” I walked away thinking “Really, is life just a layover?”

Layovers don’t invoke positive thoughts, feelings, emotions or actions. To be honest, layovers, delays or stops of any kind annoy me. Layovers cause me to be irritable, impatient and out of sorts.

The thought of layovers takes my thoughts to traveling. I don’t want layovers. I want a straight through flight, and not just because I have anxiety when it comes to flying; by car, I want to take the quickest route to get where we are going. Why is this and why do I loathe layovers?

It’s truth telling time my friends. I like to feel in control. I like a plan. I like a schedule. Let me map it out, take charge and get going. Once I know where I am going, I just want to get there. Bottom line: I like to get where I am going. No layovers. I like to arrive as soon as possible to “the destination,” as I planned. Lots of I’s and me’s, huh?

Layover is defined as “a period of rest or waiting before a further stage in a journey.” Stop, stopover or halt are a few synonyms.

Reflecting on that definition and synonyms makes a layover seem purposeful and active. There is something good to stopping or halting; to resting or waiting. It almost ignites positive thought, emotion and feeling. Ah, layovers can be for reasons that are beyond my understanding.

What have I learned?

1. My plans are just that, my plans. God has a plan for me in this layover of life and I need to intentionally seek, pursue and live it. Selflessly. Humbly. Purposefully.

2. Layovers have purpose and I am not to be passive in them. During layovers and waiting there are things to do. Action is required. I can trust God’s and His purpose and plan. My job is to do and step when the time to do and step comes.

3. Live with the end in mind. Life isn’t about the here and now. God created me for eternity and life is a step toward eternity.When traveling to Costa Rica, I knew where we were going. I planned, organized, scheduled, packed and jumped on the plane. I couldn’t wait to get there; even in the layover I was excited because I knew the destination!

These things have helped me to change my perspective on layovers and waiting. It’s vital for me to remember where I am headed. This will help me embrace the layover, anticipate in the waiting and do everything I am to do until I get to where I am going.

Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Questions:  How do you respond to layovers and waiting?  What could you do to shift your thinking about layovers and periods of waiting?  Share your comments.  I would love to hear.