Cutting it Too Close

“We need to leave at seven a.m. for the airport,” my husband said.

I thought that might be pushing it a little for a 9:00 a.m. flight but I was ready to go at seven.

Great! Smooth sailing for the first half of our journey, but then traffic came to an abrupt stop. We found out there were two accidents ahead and it would be slow going the rest of the way.

Trying to be optimistic, I began to strategize how we’d make our flight once traffic cleared up. “It won’t matter,” my husband said. “We’re not going to make it.”

I decided to pray silently. Please Lord. Clear the roads so we can make our flight to Denver.”

Twenty five minutes until departure.

Twenty minutes.

Fifteen minutes.

We finally pull up to curbside check-in. I had a chance, but it was iffy for my husband who still had to park the car. Plan B was now in action, in case he had to take a later flight.

After I made my way through security, I heard my name announced over the loud speaker. “Lisa Burkhardt Worley, please report to the gate agent.” Better put it in high gear. So I ran the rest of the way.

I made it just in time, and told the gate agent, “My husband had to park the car, but is on his way. “He’s got three minutes,” the gate agent said. I knew that wasn’t enough time.

As I squeezed into one of the remaining seats on the plane, I received updates from my husband. “Parked the car.” “At security.” “On my way.”

Run, I thought as I felt the urgency of the moment. Tension was rising. I wanted him to make it.

Then they shut the door to the plane, and I knew it was too late. My husband missed the flight.

Sadness overtook me. It would be easy for him to catch a later plane, but there was some finality about the door closing.

Separation.

He was shut out.

I felt a loss.

As I replay the scenario, I can’t help but think about eternity. If only we had the same feeling of urgency about our family members,  friends  and acquaintances who don’t have a future hope. If only we felt panic over our loved ones not making the flight to heaven.

What if we pleaded, through prayer, at Heaven’s door that they would know Jesus Christ?

Do we hurt for the lost?

We are the messengers of the gospel and we should take advantage of every opportunity God gives us to share it.

Romans 5:7-8 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

With all the chaos in the world today, it is my feeling that people need to have hope now more than ever. Will you share your flight plan with them?

Quick! Before the door closes. It won’t open again. (LBW)