Flight Instructions

Brad and I just got back from what I like to call a "mini-vacation."  It was very short, but very sweet and one of those times when even a few days away can be a lovely breath of fresh air.

I can't say that I'm a frequent flyer, but I fly a few times a year, so I'm pretty familiar with the entire routine . . . when to board, where to put the bags, what is said, when you can turn on your iPod, etc.  Usually, I just step right into auto-pilot (pun intended) whenever I'm traveling by plane.  

This time, however, I paid extra attention to my fellow passengers as the flight attendants were going through all the pre-takeoff preparations.  I could not find one person on either flight that was listening to ANYTHING that was being said.  Some of this was probably due to common sense ("Oh, so THAT'S what you do with a seat belt!").  Some of this was due to repetition (there's only so many times you can hear the same thing before you completely tune out).  And I'm sure some of this had to do with priorities (listening to a song, reading a book, or talking to a friend was way more important than hearing the standard rhetoric).  I confess that on just about every flight, I am just like them.

What really struck me this time, however, was the incredible irony of the situation.  What these attendants were sharing was vital information.  In some circumstances, it could mean the difference between life and death.  And yet, for many, the knowledge was considered way less important than the latest romantic happenings of Jessica Simpson.  In the case of an emergency, how many people would wish that they had read that safety card on how to open the door rather than another few pages in People Magazine?  

I couldn't help but see a spiritual connection as well.  How much vital information do I have everyday at my fingertips . . . promises, warnings, instruction located throughout the Scriptures, not to mention a dynamic and personal relationship with God Himself.  All this, and yet how often do I find myself skimming over my Bible reading or busying myself with "more important" matters, until I find myself up against a "crisis" of some kind (either big or small).  I so quickly am reminded of how much I need my Father's guidance.  

I suppose it's challenged me once again to take time and make space to listen throughout my day.  There's a definite difference between hearing someone and listening to what they're saying.  The art of listening is a practice I am choosing to pursue in a very loud world, one that I hope to improve for not only my Heavenly Father's voice, but that of my husband, family, and friends as well.