On March 2, my husband and I flew from Phoenix to Chicago. There, we awaited the only flight being allowed into Cincinnati that afternoon. A wicked storm system was building and air traffic was in turmoil. Two of the three flights to Cincinnati were canceled. There were rumors that a half hour window of good weather would allow our plane to make its way to our destination.
Of course, we were anxious. We didn’t want to be stranded at O’Hare. We wanted to safely travel to northern Kentucky to be with our younger son and daughter-in-law for the baptism of their second child, our first granddaughter. Joining us would be our oldest son, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons. Our granddaughter’s other grandparents and great-grandfather would be gathering with us. Oh, to greet newborn Kate and witness her becoming a new person in Christ. Little did we know that we would all be gathering in the eye of the storm
Our sure and steady pilot did, indeed, find a “hole” in the gathering storm clouds. We landed, disembarked, and within fifteen minutes heard sirens. Someone said the airport was being evacuated. Security guards told us to move away from the windows and take cover. A tornado had been sighted. No one knew what to do. Where was a vulnerable person supposed to find shelter in a massive, glass-encased building? I remember feeling no fear. Perhaps it was foolish, but my husband and I decided to do the best we could and proceed with our original plan. We went outside and hailed the shuttle bus to the car rental site. The driver was calm. Yes, he was listening to radio reports and storm warnings; nevertheless, he, too, proceeded forward. There were no other travelers standing in line to rent a car but us. The woman behind the counter kept glancing out the window, yet continued filling out papers, saying, “Let me get you on your way. Here. For no additional charge, take the bigger car parked out front. It will be safer in the wind.”
Once in the car, my husband and I navigated away from the airport and to our hotel. There was only one moment when the uncertainty seemed to elevate emotions. The moment passed and we found ourselves approaching the hotel just as the sun appeared from behind dissapating clouds. Our uncertainty and concern had not been only for ourselves. Kate, her parents, and her big brother, Max, were also in the eye of the storm. Our son stood watch at the window, ready to lead his family to the basement if necessary. Our oldest son and daughter-in-law with their three sons were due in Louisville within an hour or so of us. Later, we learned that some of the greatest destruction was a few miles north of Louisville. But, our family was spared.
Which of us knows when or where we will be in the eye of the storm? Each day of life can bring with it uncertainties. Difficulties. Disappointments. The need to adjust plans. Make quick decisions. Face fearful situations head on. There can be a calm in the eye of the storm. Life experiences have proven to me that while I may move away from God, He never moves away from me. He often shows Himself most clearly when everything around me is swirling and supposedly out of control.
I thank my Heavenly Father for safely bringing baby Kate’s family to gather at her baptismal font. In the challenges of her life, may Jesus Christ be her Rock. Confidence. Peace that passes all understanding. May the Holy Spirit who has begun a good work in her give her wisdom and courage in the face of fear.
Or in the eye of the storm.
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