What Now? How To Cope When Your Best Laid Plans Go Awry—Psalm 139

I messed up big time. Those words zinged like a wind-up car ricocheting through my brain. What was I thinking? 

The news reports showed multitudes of airports with deserted corridors and mostly empty planes. So my expectations rose to an all-time high for breezing through—uninhibited by fellow passengers.

So how did I get to this cliff? 

Doctor’s orders were—basically quarantine for 14 days before seeing the newborn. So to visit the new grandbaby we hopped in the car and drove twelve hours to avoid as much human contact as possible.

We complied as best we could before leaving and only stopped twice for potty breaks. Our routine consisted of donning masks and gloves, dashing in and out at the speed of light, and bathing in the hand sanitizer upon exiting the store.

Feeling fairly safe and smug, we arrived to a pale-faced daughter-in-law pacing in discomfort. As we strolled in, they dashed out to the hospital. The baby appeared less than 5 hours after their arrival. Whew.

We had planned to leave the following day but The Preacher got his sermon videoed early so off we flew. Talk about divine timing.

As The Preacher and I chatted after everyone else had fallen into an exhausted slumber, I broached the subject. Armed with news reports and data, I offered my findings and we discussed the possibility of my flying home. He had to leave in a few days. I would be staying.

In truth, I felt bad for him—driving home solo for twelve hours and then in another week, turning around and driving back up to get me. I told him I felt pretty good about my chances and thought flying would be the most prudent answer. He agreed—so I booked my ticket. Cue ominous tones…

As my son dropped me off on departure day, I strolled the ghost-town corridors and looked across to the main airport security gate. I gaped at the area before me— usually jam-packed with thousands, now empty. I diverted to a minor security point with only two people queued in front of me.  Finished, I headed to my gate noticing more people but probably only one fourth the normal number. 

Finding my destination, I hunkered down with twenty-five or so fellow passengers—all respectfully masked and social distancing. So far so good. I hadn’t realized I was tense, but as I looked around at the lack of people I began to relax. Prematurely.

The trouble began the minute boarding numbers were called. It was like social distancing blew out the window in the mad rush to board. 

I’d like to know what the hurry is—we have assigned seats already ya know…? So as I waited to scan my ticket, I used my roller bag as a blocking tool. I extended the handle to the max length keeping wheels on the floor yet angled it as far vertically as possible. So it was impossible for the encroacher behind me to invade my space. Gotcha!

I used the same tactic as I waited in the aisle for the line to move—until I could dive into my window seat. (Best place to sit on a plane and stay well.) As I settled into a relatively empty plane, I assumed the line of passengers would cease any time. Wrong.

They. Kept. Coming.

My anxiety rose as my dismay skyrocketed. I found myself worrying instead of praying. We did have an empty seat between passengers, but no empty seats behind and in front. So basically you have two feet between you and your seatmate and about the same between you and the person in front and behind. Me no likey one bit. But I was stuck.

So though I plot and plan, this debacle— along with every stinking COVID cloudy day, reinforces the lack of control I have over my life. As my frustrations boil, I put on the brakes and remember who I am and who loves me. I’m thankful I know and trust the one who controls the universe. 

We can take comfort in His promises and realize—even when we are stranded in a less than perfect situation, our Lord comforts us and gives us words for prayer when we have none.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.

    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.

    You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

You go before me and follow me.

    You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Psalm 139:1-5, 23