Going Home

We almost missed the plane - and didn’t make it home because we went to the wrong gate.  My daughter and I were coming back to Salt Lake from the Dulles Airport with a two hour layover in Fort Worth, Texas.  The plane was delayed about an hour; then spent another thirty minutes on the runway waiting for better weather and our turn to take off.  No problem.  We could make the connection with 20ish minutes and catch the Salt Lake plane if we moved quickly.

The crew announced the connecting flight to Salt Lake at gate C21.  That is what I’m sure I heard.  My daughter definitely heard B21.  I decided to trust her hearing.  We quickly grabbed our bags and pulling one and carrying the other, jumped on the B & D train that travels half way around the airport to take you to your gate.  Off the train and down the escalator we went to B21.  On the screen at gate B21 it says Kansas.  Kansas!  I knew it!  Time was now short.  

Definitely it was C21.  I was right!  So with about 15 minutes to plane takeoff, and huffing a little from her error and priding myself in thinking, I was right, we now ran our way back up the escalator and to the train.  On the A & C train we stopped at A 1-20.  Then we stopped at A 21-39.  Then we stopped at C 1-20.  Then, finally C 21-39.  The minutes are ticking off.  We now ran, I mean ran down the escalators to Gate C21.  And the screen did not say Salt Lake City.  I was wrong.  Wrong!  Where is the Salt Lake flight I asked?  She said gate C31.  I started running.  She called out, “other way,” and we ran, I mean ran, to gate 31.  It seemed forever away.  The minutes were ticking by and at this point, there was clearly a likelihood the plane had closed up and was ready for takeoff.  It was close to 9:00 and take off time was 9:05.  I saw the gate and it was deserted.  Not a soul at the gate but two very calm people behind the desk.  “Can we still get on?” I asked in a pool of sweat and fear.   “Yes.” she said.  We made it!  We made it!  We barely made it!  I crumpled into a happy sweat ball as we made our way down the hallway to board the plane.   

What did I learn?  Listen to the voices that you can trust. Be careful in matters of consequence what voices you listen to.  When going home spiritually, we can always trust God, regardless of what anyone else is saying or doing.  If you want to go home, ask the The One who knows the way home. 

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.    

- Proverbs 3:5-6