Grounded in Indy

There is a common phrase, "Men plan, God laughs." That came to mind yesterday at 5:25 p.m. Eastern Time when a U.S. Airways employee got on a loud speaker and announced our flight to Phoenix was cancelled. I was not amused.

It seems the windshield on the plane developed a crack. Instead of announcing this cancellation when they first found it — the plane was on the runway for an hour and a half while I was sitting in the terminal — they waited until a crowd gathered to make the announcement. I knew it was going to be a trying day....

I love sports with a couple exceptions. I'm not fond of golf, which someone likened to a good walk spoiled. I happen to think that's a poetic description. I'm also not fond of NASCAR. God has a sense of humor.

Turns out that Indianapolis is hosting a major NASCAR race, the Brickyard 400, today, so when we got dropped at our way station for the night — the Quality Inn & Suites in Indianapolis — it was like attending a NASCAR rally.

Of course, I was also wrapped up in how to get the files I had in my possession back to California in time for this morning's service. You see, after five days at Purdue University for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, we were on a tight time schedule to make it back to SLO last night and to Highlands this morning. It was tight, but the plan was fool proof — unless a bird flies into the window of our plane.

Now, instead of flying to Phoenix direct, we get to fly to Charlotte, North Carolina. Why not? I always fly south east to get west... But, after 11 hours of flying and 24 hours of delays, I can look forward to climbing into my own bed in beloved Paso Robles tonight — hopefully.

Despite the harrowing situation, God worked everything out. We found a hotel room for the night in a city that's practically sold out. We got rebooked on flights today instead of having to spend the next week in the Midwest. And all the people back home worked together to make sure today's worship comes together without us.

The theme of PYT was "For Such a Time as This," with the emphasis being that we need to be ready to answer God's call in his time, not ours. That's an important lesson I'm still learning. Through all the frustrations and annoyance of the day, something neat happened as a stole 20 minutes in the hot tub/whirlpool at the hotel last night. I got to share my faith with a true seeker from North Carolina here for the race. I don't know what will come of it, but it's not something that would have happened if I was on a flight from Indianapolis to Phoenix.

We all have plans, as we should, but we have to leave room for the alternate plan God has in mind. I don't know why I had to stay here an extra night, or why I have to fly to Charlotte to get back home, but I know God does. I'm just along for the ride.