Good Afternoon, it is a beautifully cool and breezy day in Kraków, Poland. The sky is a bit overcast but the breeze is soft and flowing through our room with freshness. Yesterday was indeed a fascinating day. We arose early and finished the last bit of packing. Then we promptly headed by subway to Heathrow to catch our flight to Warsaw with connections to Kraków. After wending our way through the security systems we discovered that our flight would be delayed for about an hour. Then a bit later we discovered it would be delayed three additional hours. Then we were delayed two more hours.
Finally we flew to Warsaw. There we had a quick bite to eat because we just had enough time before our rescheduled flight to Kraków. We quickly ate some food which was far above average for airport food. We the dashed for our gate. At the gate we learned that this flight would also be delayed. Alas, tired but grateful we finally were boarding the plane when a luggage cart went past us. Mariusz turned to me and said, "Oh no, I do not see our luggage on there. I think they have lost our luggage." There was, of course, absolutely nothing either of us could do at that point. So we boarded and flew to Kraków.
Sure enough, Mariusz was correct. Our suitcases did not make the trip with us. As it turns out, the luggage was lost somewhere in Warsaw. It was not found until sometime this morning. As God gives grace to the airline it should be arriving at the Kraków Airport sometime in the next 15 to 20 minutes. Then, it is expected that some energetic courier will bring it to us here at the Olimp hostel. Then all will be well again.
Through all of that, it was fascinating to watch and learn. We learned many things about ourselves. We learned a bit more about the human condition. Through each delay and added delay it was such a joy to remember Jesus is the master of time. He is never its victim. Over and over through the day we were given choices to react with irritation or to respond with grace and kindness. I cannot tell you how many times we were given the opportunity to help or bless someone along the way because we had been given the gift of more time than we otherwise would have had available.
When in Kraków we had confirmed the loss of our luggage, we again could choose. Jesus is beautiful for situations. He knew every moment of the trip the exact location of our luggage. We could believe and relax; or, we could fret and get upset. But, I have noticed over the years my upsetness has never gained anything for me but it has often cost me dearly. So we relaxed. The very helpful young man taking care of our lost luggage claim suddenly got up from his desk and went into the back room. He returned moments later and gave each of us a lovely Star Alliance package that contained all of the basic toiletries and toothpaste we would need to make it through the night very comfortably. Our God is very generous to us.
His, thus Yours,
Stuart
2 comments:
Isn't is wonderful to have Father in control and to just enjoy going along for the ride.
I was just saying to my son Shawn the other day....there was a time when we were financially strapped and I had to talk to a collection agent. I quickly realized the reason I was unable to pay this bill was of no fault of my own but rather this collection agent needed an encounter with Jesus so God arranged the opportunity to talk with this person :-).
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