The Flight of Life.....

I am always exasperated each time I go to the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to board a flight because of the paraphernalia of checking in and the interval between checking in and eventually boarding the plane. It is usually a long and infuriating process most of the time. I am aware of  how easy and convenient it is in most other countries to check-in online and even when you don’t get to check in on the internet, once you get to the airport  it is an easy, non-frustrating exercise as you get to drop your luggage, go through security and get to your gate in a short time.

Things are a bit different at the Lagos airport as we all know; the Air-conditioning systems  not working well, custom officials searching through your luggage and sometimes asking for money so they can allow you go with some of your personal items as well as the long period of time it takes to go through immigration and security. When you think of this most times, travelling through that airport may not be something you look forward to especially since it is the only international airport in Lagos as of this moment. This scenario I just painted may be a bit different when you hire the services of protocol officers to help you through the process. Nonetheless, whether with protocol assistance or not, you get to face some of this discomfort one way or the other and eventually board the same plane with others.

 I strongly believe that one day and soon, people will look forward to boarding flights at the MMA airport in Lagos ; devoid of the usual long queues, harassment from immigration officers and the brash disposition of the officials. Airline land officials too sometimes could be very impetuous and impolite in the way they attend to customers. Hopefully in a new era , there would be a perfect power supply system as it operates in Heathrow, Dubai, Atlanta and other renowned airports across the world. Then our air conditioning systems would be working very well,we would have an automated baggage-handling system, clean toilets, functional conveyor/luggage carrousel and above all,we would have  a very spacious and beautiful airport. I believe this era will come and soon too in Jesus name!....…… Amen!

So the last time I was at the airport, I wondered as usual why we have to go through this unpleasant process every time. If I have to travel out of the country, why couldn't I just find some other means of getting to my destination without having to come together with people having a similar intention of travelling? Different individuals, families and groups of people going to different destinations board their respective flights howbeit from the same point- The Airport. That’s where the planes are parked. For those who have their private jets, they have their hangers in the airports and most times they still have to come over to board their jets. I wouldn't know if people are able to fly without going through the airport or maybe there is an exemption for private planes of the presidents’ and other groups of government officials, I sincerely don’t know how that works.  And honestly, I wish planes could have air stops, at different points where we can board just like the buses do. However because of the enormity of a plane and how it functions, that would be impossible now or ever.

Back to my theme of the day, the purpose of the airport exemplifies some important lesson in life. We are all on a Journey of purpose and our destination is our individual destinies.  We have a common rally point which is the Airport. Our general Airport is Life itself and just like we have different people of all colours and tribes converging at the airport to go to their different destinations, so do we have all sorts of people in life. Some are going to embark on a 6-hour flight whilst some are going on a 20-hour flight. Some people’s flights are direct whilst some will have a stopover or even more. Some fly in the First class cabin whilst others in the Economy cabin; everyone with their luggage in all sizes and shapes. It is of no use boarding a flight without knowing where you are going or else you will find yourself in the wrong place.You wouldn't even be allowed to board. You can’t say because your friend is going on a particular flight you want to go on that same flight for no reason. Such is this journey of Purpose. Everything we do must be backed up with a reason and a purpose. Needless to say also that you can’t board a flight without a ticket and most importantly the visa of the country you are going to. If you don’t have those, there’s no point embarking on the journey altogether. 

God automatically gives everyone the visa and ticket to his/her destiny at birth as He has the blueprint of everybody’s life and determines every single detail before an individual exists. No one decides where he wants to be born into as you can’t determine your race, colour, parents or siblings, never! He knows everything about you and by Him alone you can achieve the reason He has created you. He orchestrates different events in your life to help fulfil this trip and to enable you arrive in destiny-land. All resources are made available to you by default. Let us note however that it is possible to obtain a visa, purchase a ticket and never get to board the plane. Many people have come and gone with their tickets and visa in their hands but never boarded the plane to get to their destination hence living a purposeless life. Yet we have amazing stories of people who have influenced their world and their names can never be forgotten in history.

The most important aspect of a trip is the plane and of course the pilot. When we board a plane and the doors are shut, we resign our fate to whoever the pilot is; we may not see or know him but we trust his judgment and assure ourselves he would pilot us to our destination. Of course, we can’t even fly the plane ourselves in the case of an emergency. All we can do is to hope and pray that we land safely. In this journey, the One who can convey us to our destiny successfully is GOD.  Exodus 19: 4 says “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself”. Why is it so easy for us to trust the pilots who fly planes and yet we find it difficult to trust the Almighty who created us and knew us even before we existed. He knows the end from the beginning and He is able to navigate us in life in spite of whatever comes our way. A plane flies at amazingly high altitudes and its an invention that never ceases to amaze me. Friend, God gave this wisdom and that is an indicator that with Him, we can soar at never-heard-of altitudes. Created in His image, you and I are limitless and unstoppable!  

Another typical thing on a flight is turbulence as sometimes a comfortable ride isn't possible and the only way home is through an area of turbulence. While it is most times impossible to completely avoid turbulence, there are means of accurately predicting where turbulence is and an early warning is given so the pilot is not caught off guard.Now if the experts of this world have been able to devise means to determine where and when turbulence may arise, how much more God who has tailor-made a blueprint for each of our lives. The road may be bumpy, tough and uncomfortable, with God behind the wheels, we can never crash. Like we are instructed  on the plane, just ensure your seat belt is firmly strapped.  Ephesians 6: 14 says “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness”. When you are firmly strapped by His word, come what may, you won’t be shaken, having done all, you will still be standing. Strap your belt and never let go of the truth. It sets you free, gives you hope in the face of impossibilities and keeps you going when the difficulties of life growl at you. In reality you can miss your flight at the airport but with God, you can never miss the chance of a trip to destiny. There is always a second chance even when you mess up. He is so compassionate and He bears with us in spite of our inadequacies!

Having boarded the plane and taken off, as long as you have God piloting your life, you definitely will have a good landing. He says in Jeremiah 29: 11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Oh yes, it is a thought to make you land safely at that future you have imagined and even much more! Can you imagine that feeling you have when you have just landed in a country you have always dreamt of going: the plane comes to a complete stop and the seat belt sign goes off, you pick your hand luggage, walk majestically out of the plane through the hallway to meet with immigration officers after which you are united with your family members or friends who have come to get you from the airport. It is such an ecstatic moment I tell you. Such is the experience when you arrive at your place of destiny!Joseph arrived and David too; beautiful stories of a safe landing you'll agree.

Good Evening Ladies and gentlemen, we have started our descent in preparation for landing; please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their fully upright position. Ensure your seat belt is securely fastened until the plane comes to a halt and all carry-on luggage is underneath the seat in front of you. Please switch off any electronic devices you may have until the captain has switched off the seat belt sign...…

The Pen…….