Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
I love God's timing. The wisdom of this proverb came in handy a few days after I read it.
I've been in Billings, Montana for the past week on a writing retreat at my sister Kathy’s house. I was scheduled to fly back to Seattle on Saturday afternoon.
But as we waited to board, we learned that the tail of the plane was in need of repair. Our flight was canceled.
I heard frustrated grunts from the anxious passengers as we headed to claim our luggage. I dragged my fifty pound suitcase back to the end of the long line and waited to book another flight.
One of the many angry passengers marched to ticket counter and interrupted the lone ticket agent. Let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty and her angry words got her nowhere.
When she returned to the end of the line, a few people congratulated her on being feisty.
I looked at her and said, "I'm grateful we aren’t flying on a plane with a broken tail piece. I'm sure they are doing the best they can."
She looked at me as if I had three eye balls.
While I waited I dialed the customer service line to ask about our options. Within a few minutes the ticket agent explained the next flights out of the small airport were full.
I called my sister who agreed to pick me up. As we loaded my heavy bag to her trunk we laughed at the answer of our prayer to be able to spend more days together.
The delay allowed me to go to church with Kathy and Denny. I wrote an article that an editor had requested. I slept in. Then I spent two hours studying the Bible. I wrote this blog while on the treadmill. I took a sauna. I had the privilege of sitting in on Kathy and Denny's small group where I met some nice people.
Who would've thought that a broken tail on a plane could turn out to be a few more days of rest, writing and fellowship?
I made the best of my Divine detour.
I am grateful for the reminder I got from Proverbs 18 to be a witness to Christ in our actions toward others. Especially with our words.
God bless your heart and your mouth.
Gigi
www.GigiMurfitt.com
