Endurance

Some days do not turn out how one expects, no matter how hard one tries.  Yesterday was one of those days.  Since it was a day of memories I came into it full of expectation, hope, and optimism.  The very thought of it allowed me to tap into a reservoir of energy I had long forgotten.  Even as it began on the wrong foot I step boldly outward, confident things were going to turn around.  They didn’t. 
 
This is a reminder of the life we find ourselves in.  There is no focus on trying to extract a sentimental tug.  From the brief conversations and email messages towards the end of the day it seems there were many in my boat.
 
On a day a remembering I spent my time sleeping in an airport, riding a plane filled with exhausted children, cranky adults, and perky attendants.  I’d say more but that was it.  Our departure was delayed for ninety minutes, then an hour, then two, and then two and a half.  In short, from one a.m. until seven p.m. I lived in a small domestic airport and in seat 21C.  I spoke a few words which I cannot remember.  I struggled with blocked ears, before the flight began.  I observed people and their interactions – I’m still surprised the poker playing group of men didn’t get arrested around four in the morning!  I endured.  Later I endured more.  In the end I endured until I collapsed into a long, peace filled sleep – filled with images of family and friends – each sharing and giving in their own way.
 
I wake to new day knowing “in the end there'll be a highway all the way from Assyria, easy traveling for what's left of God's people—a highway just like the one Israel had when he marched up out of Egypt.” (Isaiah 11.16)  All days will not be like the one just memorized.  Yet I find myself remembering, smiling, and grateful for the memories I found myself treasuring – for yesterday I had the time.  It seems I used it wisely.