I spend a lot of time in the airport. The airport is arguably the best people watching place, right up next to Disney World and Wal-Mart. The airport is full of people excited for where they are going, running to catch their flights, in matching Hawaiian shirts, in business suits, and of course, lines of people STRESSED.
When people are stressed, it tends to cause people to get mad, and that anger is normally directed to the people at the counter. If you have flown then you have seen it – a flight gets delayed or canceled, the line at the counter piles up, and the gate agent has to listen and deal with the frustration from a lot of angry people.
One day as I was sitting watching the angry line build up and the gate agent listening to all the complaints, frustration, and unbelief that a flight had been pushed back. I thought to myself, “it is not her fault.” In fact, she probably does not actually know the reason the flight was delayed or canceled because she’s been standing at the gate the whole time dealing with the people on the ground.
Everyone is frustrated with who they see because of the screen they see behind her saying delay, yet the reality is THERE IS A REASON FOR THE DELAY.
This is when I had a realization of air traffic control. There are these people that none of us in the airport, with our oneway track mind, can see and who don’t even consider to blame. These people who see every direction the planes are trying to go from the perspective of the sky so that they can make sure people on the ground can get to where they’re going safely. Their call to delay your flight, because of what they see in the sky, that we are so frustrated on the ground about, is probably literally saving your life.
You see where I am going with this, right? When we get delayed in life or feel like the dreams we had, the success we wanted, the relationship we wanted gets delayed or even canceled we get stressed and then we get angry. We get angry at the people around us and we get angry at ourselves thinking we aren’t good enough or we must have done something wrong. We blame everyone around us because of everything we see around us. Sometimes we even take this anger and get mad at God. But, I want to challenge you with that anger – would you get mad at air traffic control?
The reality is if we stopped long enough to consider why the delay happened we wouldn’t blame the gate agent (the one we see in our way) and if we knew what air traffic control was saving us from (the man in the sky) we would be filled with gratitude.
We forget that we only have the grounds perspective and a oneway track mind when it comes to getting where we are going. It is so important we remember God sees our future, all those who we cross paths with, and is considering everyone’s life plan from the sky’s perspective.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV says,
“”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.””
Take a few minutes today before the frustration hits from the stress of you feeling like you need to get where you think you should be and thank God for where you are at now. There is a reason. He will get you where you need to be at the right time you need to be there.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
This really hits home. Not even just for my daily schedule or what not. But for the people around me. I tend to get super frustrated with those around me when they dont meet my expectations but really deep down there’s so much more. Maybe they are struggling worse than I am or had a struggle I cant see. There’s no need to work myself all up because a person didn’t come through exactly when I expected. And yet it probably was better timing because God knows best.
Yesss, so true! & Honestly it’s so neat to have an opportunity to encourage and thank the random strangers who we see dealing with stuff like that… Complimenting strangers is the best thing haha!
Thank you Sadie!!
Hit home with this Blog! Thank you!
This was perfect for me in where I am at this very moment. The anger built in me for the delay that has recently occurred in my life. I was angry blaming everyone and even God. I asked him what I did wrong to deserve this? I’ve been praying for an answer and this message hit home.
Thank you for all you share.
I’m going through the same things. Prayers for you Sister!! ?
I love this blog post because it reminds me that even when things seem to not be going my way that I want to God is making better plans for me than I can imagine. What I my want may actually not be beneficial for me, so God isn’t allowing that door to be open. I need to remember that before I get frustrated that I didn’t get my way, to know God has something far greater than I can ever dream of.
This post could not have had more perfect timing. Here I am laying in bed upset, stressed, and avoiding adulting due to my dreams and relationship being delayed, again. It’s the most frustrating thing to feel like you have no control over your future. I believe I have said the phrase “I’m so sick of waiting” about seventy times today and I needed a reminder to be grateful. God’s got a plan and even though my current situation is not ideal, I know that it’s in the waiting that we grow and prepare for what God has. Thanks girl for the words.
Honestly what I needed to hear right now.
Whoa! This is so so good. I love the connection you made between people getting mad when flights are delayed, when it’s for our safety, and God delaying us from moving on for a significant reason as well. Such a great reminder that I definitely needed!
Thank you Sadie Robertson!!! Reading the word of God!!! Is the best dinner!!! There could ever be!!! And in it there is great wisdom!!! And as the Holy Spirit leads and teaches me!!! What a great feast!!! Proverbs 9: yes what a true blessing of Christ Jesus!!! We are really related by blood!!! And now in Christ Jesus sister. I am a Robertson too by blood this means a lot to me!!! My Dad’s Mother was full blooded Robertson!!! From down south!!! You may wonder about this, but it is true!!! Thank you Jesus for your blessings in this!!! Sadie Robertson I have a brother and two other sisters you are related to. Also. You are a true blessing of Christ Jesus and His love!!! Keep shining!!!
Wow. This is exactly what I needed to read today. I’ve been so frustrated at God because of a long time line He has given me. I know deep down that there has to be a good reason but I still find myself disappointed and questioning. Thank you for this perspective
Yes!!!
I needed to hear this because I’m going through some relationship problems and you just put into my perspective that this delay might be for a great reason that I don’t comprehend. It’s like you’re speaking directly to me! Thank you Sadie!!! We love you Sister!!?
EVERYONE PRAY FOR ME AND MY FINACE PLEASE!! Y’ALL WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS FOR SURE!!
Just got out of a relationship that was “cancelled” and needed this perspective more than anything. It’s hard when you wish it would work out, but it wasn’t Gods plan.
This was an amazing blogpost. Thank you so much for sharing. There are so many things in life that we feel should happen, but God knows what is best for us, and his plan is far better. We shouldn’t get angry with God or people, or even the situations that we go through, but just fully rely on our sovereign God, to do what is far better than anything we could ever do. His plan for our lives is far greater than our plans. Thank you Sadie!