Perks and Promises

Well, now and then I get a perk, like an upgrade on a flight, which didn't happen yesterday, as I flew to Phoenix to celebrate my nephew's retirement from the military. Nor did the United Club in Denver allow me to enter and hang out for my 3 hour layover. They dismissed me as the plebian I really am and informed me that I'd already used my two free passes that came with my mileage plus credit card.

But I did have the option of buying a one day pass for a mere $59.00. Which, for me, meant about 2 1/2 hours by this time, or $30 an hour for free snacks and a quiet space. It didn't matter that I was a million miler, that was so yesterday. I was in the land of the biggies, dues paying club members and1K flyers, which left my status shrinking more each minute.

So I bid them farewell and Richard wheeled me out the door, onto the concourse where the masses congregated. He affirmed my decision and asked, "Where to next?" So I chose McDonalds. First McDonalds' burger I ever ate was in Denver in 1963 so why not celebrate! Good memories are a perk.

So was Richard. And so I shared my $59.00 "savings" by giving an extra $10 to him. He dropped me at gate 34, where I enjoyed eating my McMeal and reading for the next two hours, until time to board.

And the flight was not as bumpy as predicted. Another perk. But the real perk, really a blessing, was seeing Carey and Lori waiting for me as Fadia wheeled me to baggage claim. And then to find my luggage arrive before me. What are the chances of that?! Perks, like blessings, are all around if we're willing to alter some of our expectations

But promises made and kept are not so common these days. Wars don't end in a day, nor do prices come down day one, as promised. Our country and world are struggling with more than the fallout from massive tarrifs today. We're wrestling with issues of trust at the deepest and highest levels.

So what am I doing in Arizona? I'm here to celebrate my nephew's retirement from the military. He's served in Afghanistan, been a state policeman, and worked as border patrol. He's more than "one of those." He is a good man, doing his best with challening times. Trying to live as one who loves Jesus and cares about people on both sides of the border. So Carey's a reminder to me to be careful about slapping labels on people.

Well, in times like these, what's true? Well, for me, I trust the Bible. It's the season to remember when Jesus gathered his disciples to inform them of what's ahead for him, then added, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NLT)

Truth upon truth. No false promise that if you follow Jesus, life will be so good. You won't believe how rich you'll be. Nope. It's not going to be easy but it will be the best. How so? No matter how it looks, God's in charge. Remember, Here Be God. So we're to keep loving God and our neighbors. And to keep erring on the side of justice, mercy, truthfulness, generosity and kindness.

Remember, life comes with some unexpected and beautiful perks. But they're usually not the ones we think we signed-up for. And when all's said and done, it's wise to be slow to make promises, but important to keep them. And to remember where we place our trust matters. Jesus said words too good not to be true, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has in store for those that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

So, take a deep breath. Then take courage, and dare to be one of God's perks or a promise fulfillled for someone who least experts to have been noticed, much less dearly loved by God.

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