Layovers.

Yesterday, while driving in the car with my parents, we began to tally the number of times my daughters have flown on an airplane. In the past 20 months, my girls have made 10 trips on an airplane (20 times if you include both departing and returning flights). My girls have flown more times than most people do their entire life. That is a lot of flying! Each time has been a different experience, some great flights and others, not so great flights. We usually prefer the flights with the least number of layovers and if we have to make a stop, we prefer the least amount of "wait time" before boarding our next flight. No matter how much we have tried to avoid them, I don't remember the last time we took a direct flight.
 
Puerto Rico.

This past summer, we had a great opportunity to vacation with my big ole family to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. It was such an amazing trip, filled with so many lasting memories. On route to Puerto Rico, we noticed that we had a 2 hour layover in Philadelphia. Philadelphia? Yes! We were departing out of Los Angeles and our final destination was south of Florida, why in the world would we stop in Philadelphia? It really made no sense. Once we boarded the plane, found our seats, and listened to one of the flight attendants explain the "what to do in case of an emergency" procedure, the pilot told us to enjoy our trip to "Phoenix." Phoenix? I thought we were going to Philadelphia! What they failed to mention was that airlines do not include a stop on your itinerary if you do not deplane. We were so excited and very eager to meet our family in Puerto Rico and really not looking forward to making a stop we had not planned for.
 
Surprise.

When we arrived in Phoenix, two very familiar people boarded the plane. It was my brother Vinnie and my sister in law Nina. What a surprise! We thought we were meeting them in Philadelphia, but instead we actually met them in Phoenix. 
 
Unnecessary.

After our recent trip to North Carolina and the what seemed like unnecessary stops along the way, I realized something about Layovers. I realized that just like layovers on an airplane, there are "layovers" or "seasons" in our lives that although seem unnecessary or insignificant are very important as we journey towards our dreams, plans, or final destinations.
 
Why Layovers?

• Layovers allow us to refuel and recharge certain areas in our lives so that we can have enough for the journey ahead.

• Layovers allow certain things to "deplane" making room for other things to board.

• Layovers are a part of the journey!

I don't know where you are in the process of seeing your dreams come to pass in your life, and although I have written countless BLOGS encouraging you all to step out and take big risks, today I want to encourage you to be still. Sometimes the biggest acts of faith are the times we choose to stay when we want to go, relax when we want to panic, and stand when we want to step out. This past season has been one of the most daring seasons we have walked through yet. This too might be your season to stand, to "layover" and simply trust that what He is doing in you is greater than anything you can do for Him. Just breath and trust His leading. He will not fail you.

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

TRUTH: "Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10


DARE: Stand still.