Refiner’s Fire

It started yesterday when our ride to the airport called just before departure. She was sick with the flu.  Fortunately, she sent a replacement.

We arrived at the airport and checked in curbside.  For a domestic flight connecting to an international one.  We presented our passports.  They asked for our visas to enter that foreign country.

Visas???

We spent the next 1.5 hours with two nice airline workers, using their computers to gain visa approval from Australia.  Their computers… and our credit cards.

We boarded the five-hour domestic flight.  Reading, free movies and satellite TV.  All was going according to plan… until the plane turned around one hour shy of LA.

Too many planes there to allow any more to land???

We were diverted to Phoenix.  We got off the plane… then re-boarded 45 minutes later.  We arrived in LA two hours late.

Our international connection had already left.

We weren’t the only ones.  Thousands of passengers were stranded.  And very unhappy.  It’s Christmas, after all.  The Season To Be Jolly.

Our two checked bags had disappeared.  They confirmed they had been on our flight.  They “must be” out on “The Ramp.”  They didn’t have enough staff to bring them to baggage claim.

???

I called to reschedule our flights.  Nothing on that airline for two more days? Getting us to Sydney on Christmas Day?  The phone went dead.  Connection lost.

I called again.  Waited on hold 15 minutes.  I explained our dilemma.  I confess, Lord… by then, I was crying a little.  The agent looked at sister-airlines…. and found us a flight tonight, arriving on Christmas Eve.

Every little bit helps!

Hours later, still no sign of our bags.  I called the sister airline to ask if they could help with our baggage.  The answer was NO.  Besides… only one of us had reservations.

???

Looked like I would be stranded in LA while my dear husband went to Australia.

I called the original airline.  A new agent saw the dilemma.  Minutes later, I was confirmed on the same flights!  WHEW!

We had been awake 24 hours.  No rest in sight.  After six hours, our bags were still “in the back” somewhere… but they were rerouted to our new fights.  They just hadn’t told us.

It’s all been about Your Refining Fire… hasn’t it, Lord?

I’m wearing a t-shirt today with a favorite verse:  Philippians 4:13.  Asserting I can do all things through You, Lord… because You strengthen me.  But the verse just before it is just as vital.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”  (Philippians 4:12)

The Secret is You, Lord.  But I have to live this promise.. not just say it.

We’re in the airport for another nine hours.  The situation hasn’t changed.  But I have.  Thanks to You, Lord,  So everything’s going to be OK… no matter what.

🙂

Sizzling in Your Flame…

Content at last…

Abba’s Girl

 

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