Thoughts from 30,000 feet

I like flying. It gives me time to think. I was really looking forward to this flight back to Orlando for a number of reasons. Reason one, the wind chill was 8 when I left Detroit on New Year's Eve. But more importantly, thanks to so many people traveling today, I had to use a lot of frequent flier miles in order to make it back for our New Year's Eve service. Translation: I'm flying first class. As I got to the airport, I got to go to the first class check-in and was treated really well. As I got ready to board the plane, I felt a little bit of entitlement creeping into my attitude as if I wanted everyone to notice, "I'M FLYING FIRST CLASS. I'M A VERY IMPORTANT INDIVIDUAL." Pride is scary isn't it?

I thought about a story that I heard told about Winston Churchill. He was at a worship service walking up to the altar to take communion. A man, not very well dressed was about to be placed next to him. When his companions tried to usher him away, Mr. Churchill is reported to have said, "let him be. We are all equal here."

What would our world look like if we remember that we are all sinners in desprite need of His forgiveness? What is we not only knew, but believed and lived the truth that God loves us unconditionally and welcomes us at His table, regardless of the way we come? What if that began to shape our attitude toward other people?

We have a great, loving, compassionate God. I really hope that people are able to meet Him through me.

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790