Morning Reflection – 9 November 2015

  
In his song “Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes”, Jimmy Buffett reflects on departure signs in airports and all of the places he has been. This morning I find myself doing the same thing as Denise and I await the boarding call for our flight to Atlanta.

As a kid, we flew to Vancouver, British Columbia to see my mom’s family from time to time. It wasn’t until 1985 and the flight from Minnesota to Alabama for the USAF Chaplain Candidate Orientation Course that my flying adventures truly began. I think of all the trips to Maxwell Air Force Base for Professional Military Education courses over the years and the hours spent in Atlanta. I also think of all the trips in and out of the country which included Atlanta as a stop-over. This morning we are flying to Atlanta to attend a course on Ignatian Spirituality with Columbia Seminary’s Certificate in Christian Spiritual Formation program.

Of course, there are other airports with other stories… London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, London-Stanstead, Frankfurt, LAX, Seattle, Dublin, Philadelphia, Glasgow, Grand Forks, Bagram, Mildenhall, Ramstein, Karshi-Khanabad, Al Dhafra, Point Salinas, San Juan… 

Flying isn’t as easy or as much fun as it used to be thanks to increased security and airlines more interested in cramming seats and cutting services… Our flight is overbooked and they are hawking $400 vouchers to take another flight… Not enough overhead space for all the “carry-on’s” that people take these days… 

But in the end, I am fortunate to have seen so much of the world. Thinking of all the places I have been as Jimmy sings, I am indeed thankful. So even though it is more difficult these days, it is still a blessing to be able to travel, especially when that travel includes seminary refreshment and time with friends & family.

Breathe deeply… Savor the adventure… Love life… It is a gift to be treasured!