Pull the Chocks!
The last step before taxiing away from the parking space in an airplane is to pull the chocks. Yesterday, we pulled the chocks on our great summer adventure.
Then reality set in. Sand got into the gears. Nothing seemed to go right. Everything was hard. In spite of all our preparations, we seemed to be in slow motion. Weather was moving in. I was experiencing extreme difficulty with flight planning. There was no way to get the three months of luggage down to 50 pounds each. Where were those papers? The hangar is locked. The luggage won’t fit in the baggage door. 
It’s hot, I’m drenched with sweat. The stress is overwhelming. And somehow I’ve got to get my act together and pilot this airplane. Is this really worth it? Even as I write this, my stomach and chest begin to tighten and I relive the stress of the day.
So what do you do when your schedule is shot? What do you do when your frustration level reaches unhealthy levels? What do you do when you haven’t even begun, yet you’re all out of patience and energy?
You rejoice. You pray. You give Him thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) You place your trust in God for His protection and favor. You place your concerns in His hands, thank Him and receive His peace. (Philippians 4:4-7) You confront the lies the enemy is whispering in your ears with truth. Philippians 4:8) You press on depending upon the Lord for peace and strength and joy. (Philippians 4:11,19)
So what happened? We pressed on. It seems once we actually got into the airplane and pulled the chocks, we experienced God’s supernatural strength and favor. 
Our flight to Meridian, MS and Shreveport, LA was uneventful. We had to dodge some thunderstorms, but it seems the ones we faced in the air were nothing compared to the ones we faced on the ground. We thank God for giving us such an uneventful, …fun even …, first leg of our journey.
May 25th, 2008 at 07:13
Jim/Michelle/Jessica: Amazing! I’m so glad you included a trip to Houston to see all of us before the big departure. I cannot imagine packing 3 months into a 50 # bag, that’s a miracle for us girls! We love you, Bitsa
May 25th, 2008 at 14:32
Hi from the Parker’s at Johnson’s Crossing, Yukon! WE are looking forward to meeting you folks. We understand you will be in the Yukon for awhile. WE would really like to have your itenerary, if possible. We have somewhere for you to stay at Whitehorse, but really need to know when and for how long? So, if you can, either phone or send an e-mail. We hope you have a safe flight/trip!
Charlotte
May 25th, 2008 at 20:46
Way to press on! Blessing to you!
May 26th, 2008 at 05:41
Jim, didn’t realize you were going to be the pilot! May you and Michelle continue to rely on God’s strength and blessing throughout the journey ahead.
May 27th, 2008 at 09:46
Jim & Michelle,
I think of the scripture in Isaiah 40:31; But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Mu prayers are with you as you journey with the Lord.
May 30th, 2008 at 17:15
Hi Guys,
We just got back from California with our kids. We are exited that you are off to the north. We pray you will “experience God” every step of the way.
We should be back from leadership days by June 8th. If you are around, give us a call.
With all our love, George and Ulli.