Over the past few days I have had the pleasure of spending time with our 6 year old grandson and attending his birthday party in Dallas. When our kids were growing up thier birthday parties consisted of a cake, sometimes ice cream , one gift, and a few friends. This party was held at an air museum at Addison Airport in Dallas, attended by 16 friends of our grandson, and all the parents. It may sound like an extravagant birthday party for a 6 year old and it was, however, our daughter had won the event at a benefit. There were airplanes on display from nearly every era of flight from the early 1900's to the present. It was not only fun for the kids , but also for me to reminisce about some of the old airplanes I had flown, seen, or been around during my time in the Air Force. They even had an O-2A Forward Air Control ( FAC) aircraft that had served in the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, my outfit in Vietnam. I was able to show Morgan, my grandson, the airplane , the instruments we used for flying, and have him stand inside the bird so I could allow him to experience some of the environment I have described. I told him how the plane always seemed to bring me home alive from missions.. His only comment was, "grandpa I am glad you flew this kind of plane because some others crashed". Simply put, that was the comment of the day because he said it all. That little twin engine airplane somehow helped keep me alive for a very trying time in my past. I also recognize that it was not just the airplane but also the fact that God was in charge of the entire experience.
God does manage and oversee everything we experience. I love Jeremiah 29:11 in the bible that says: "For the Lord has great plans for you,"says the Lord. " Plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. "
God has a way of making us appreciate life and His plans that make it so special. Seeing that old airplane with a grandson who I might never have seen had that bird not been so reliable was well worth the time spent at that museum. God used the airplane to make it possible for me to enjoy a simple birthday with my grandson and a reminder of how He never relented from engaging His plan for my life. I was able to endure very tenuous times in the past because God planned the outcome in advance.
There may have been some rough times in your life, but the fact that God is there to keep us in His plan, reinforces His love and confidence He has for our future. I pray that you will understand God's plan for your life."Thank you Lord for gentle reminders of your love and care throughout life." Amen!