Just a few days ago, we were catching a plane to travel to beautiful British Columbia to attend a pastors' and leaders' conference in Aldergrove. We got up early, loaded our luggage into the vehicle, and made the 45-minute drive to the airport. After going through security, we patiently waited, coffee in hand at 6:45 am to board the plane.
Finally, after much waiting, it was time to board. We got in line, pulled up our boarding passes, and grabbed our driver's licenses. Upon getting to the front of the line, we presented all required documentation to the ticketing agent.
After looking at my (Krystal's) ID, the ticketing agent declared, "Your license is expired."
With a shocked look, I stared at my license, as if thinking perhaps by my looking, the date would be different than what was first declared.
Much to my dismay, the agent was correct. I would not be allowed to board the plane, as any other identification I had was tucked neatly in my purse, at home.
Things certainly didn't go my way. I had a choice. I could respond in frustration and let the agent know how upset I was or patiently explore my options. I chose the latter and asked what I could do to catch a later flight, knowing I could acquire the proper valid ID.
The supervisor came over and explained that if I could get valid ID by the next flight, three hours later, I could board that plane, and the airline would cover the costs. Feeling grateful for their kindness, I accepted the offer, said goodbye to Todd as he boarded our scheduled flight, waited as my son brought my passport to serve as my ID, grabbed another coffee, and sat down to catch up on some administrative work with ILM.
You see, the way we treat or respond to others is a reflection of the way we treat or think about ourselves. The Lord has been at work in this area of my life-the way I think about myself, my internal dialogue. When you know the Lord Jesus, and give Him access to the recesses of your heart, His peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind.
I'm not saying I don't have dark places I still guard, because I do, and I'm working on it, working on trusting God in those areas, too. But He is faithful and just, knows everything about me, and loves me, loves you, just the same.
How do you respond when things don't go your way? I pray that as you grow in your relationship with Jesus, you grow in responding with peace and love, as an overflow of peace and love inside of you.
Bless you, friends.
Krystal Wawrzyniak serves with her husband, Todd, as directors of Intertribal Life Ministries.
