Psalm 139:7-10: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; lf I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If l rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.
These verses of scripture have been a favorite of mine for a long time. They spoke to me early in my career as a flight attendant and have, over the years, continued to be a source of great strength and confidence.
God is present everywhere. Heaven and earth are His creation and He is in the midst of it all. How magnificent to know we are ever in His presence. No matter what hour of the day I was flying (If I rise on the wings of the dawn) or the cities my flights took me to, (If I settle on the far side of the sea) I knew God was there with me. How assuring to know my safekeeping rests in God's hand, daily.
Because I was continually in His presence, I looked to Him for guidance and direction in carrying out my duties as a flight attendant. He was there for me when I had to mentally prepare myself for a possible emergency landing. Through Him I calmed the fears of a child traveling alone or empathized with the bereaved en route to an emergency or funeral. He helped me to assist the elderly, comfort the emotionally disturbed, and attend to the needs of the physically challenged and the gravely ill. He provided me quick response in saving a man's life, and holding me up when I failed in an attempt to save another's.
He allowed me to be part of birthday, anniversary and honeymoon celebrations, happy reunions and sad good-byes. Together, He and I laughed with the best of them and cried with them too.
He allowed me to enjoy so much of His majesty from 35,000 feet-sunrises and sunsets; moonrises, comets, eclipses, and, shooting stars; spectacular snow-capped mountains, vast and deep canyons, desert valleys, majestic sandstone formations and the powerful, never-ending ocean.
I was never out of his reach then, and today is no different!
Our God is omnipresent. Whether we find ourselves on the highest mountaintop, exhilarated with joy and excitement, or in the deepest pit, hurting and suffering with despair, God is with us in our situation. His right hand will hold us fast. I find great solace in this incredible promise.
What experiences you've had flying the skies! You were certainly a source of comfort and encouragement to thousands over the years of your career. Thanks for sharing how God is with us in all of our highs and lows:)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you saw God in everything you did and everywhere you went! I imagine He's smiling now, at this tender tribute to His unwavering goodness and care.
ReplyDeleteWow, I never really thought of a flight attendant as a "caregiver"...I always think of vacation when I fly :-)
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