Where would your “trip of a lifetime take you?”

Hawaii? The Serengeti? Disney World?

Many folks save up for years to visit “bucket list” destinations.

For a cool $28 million, you could take a 10-minute trip to outer space via Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard vehicle. It’s a short adventure, but a few minutes of weightlessness is included. That’s pretty heavy.

What if you were offered a free airline ticket to a surprise destination?

Social media abounded with posts by people who had taken this offer and couldn’t find enough superlatives to tout their experiences.

Passengers used the words “exhilarating” and “unbelievable” to describe their flights. Some choked up or beamed with joy as they recalled “being mind-blown” or having their lives “completely changed.”

All agreed they had taken the trip of a lifetime.

Don’t call your travel agent for more info.

He is unable to supply you with any further information regarding this flight. He can’t give you departure dates; the duration time of your flight, whether you’ll head north or south or how much legroom you’ll get.

Curious?

Read on.

I’ve boarded that flight.

The reviews are all true.

I’ve taken in some breathtaking sights.

The in-flight entertainment has something for everybody—comedy, drama, music, romance—the choices are endless, ever-changing and unpredictable.

However, I have experienced instances of nail-biting turbulence.

During the worst episodes, the plane shook so violently, I was sure we’d lose an engine.

I’d close my eyes and fervently pray for the bumpiness to end.

Just when I felt I couldn’t take it anymore, the Captain’s soothing voice would whisper, “Don’t be afraid.”

The shaking would stop and overhead, I’d hear, “This is your Captain speaking. We hit a little turbulence, but, trust Me, this plane is built to withstand anything the wind blows our way.”

We’ve hit every kind of weather imaginable on this flight.

From my window, I’ve seen the inside of billowy, white clouds and watched freshly squeezed rain eeking from charcoal gray cumuli.

We’ve passed through the heat of summer without being scorched.

The plane has climbed heavenward to fly high above winter’s frost.

We’ve always come through with not a trace of ice on our wings.

Everyone on this flight is in first class.

I’ve had the same comfortable seat for nearly fifty years.

When thick, soupy fog has enveloped us, I’ve never worried.

Jetting nonstop in the darkest of moonless nights, I’ve slept like a baby.

We recently entered horrible turbulence. The flight was bumpy like trying to drive a car over broken asphalt and yet I wasn’t frightened.

The secret to my serenity?

I know the Captain personally.

He is strong, yet compassionate. Confident, yet humble. In charge and reassuring.

When I first boarded this flight, He said that the flight plan was customized to give me a future and a hope.

I buckled my seat belt and watched as the Captain walked up and down the aisle, greeting His passengers, patiently crouching down to listen to each person’s questions or concerns.

He did not offer food or drinks. Instead He freely gave mercy and grace.

Just before takeoff, He made this announcement:

“This is your Captain speaking. Welcome to Flight 316.

This trip is free.

I’ve paid the price for each of you.

As we taxi down the runway, I make you this promise:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Fog? Darkness? Turbulence?

As promised, He has worked all of those things together for my good.

Today the Captain made this simple announcement:

“The best is yet to come.”

I believe it and I can’t wait for the next leg of this wondrous flight.

Leave a comment