I’m Getting on That Plane

I’ve flown the Atlantic Ocean 40 plus times since 2007 and numerous domestic flights since the 80’s and never have I had the set of bad circumstances and back to back experiences I had last week trying to return home from my 2^nd tour into Iraq in support of our troops.   

I have always prided myself as being a mild natured man, full of grace and mercy.  

But little did I realize I was about to be put to the test.  

It started with the 14-hour Transatlantic flight from Doha to Washington DC and a long-legged fellow passenger who kept his left elbow and left knee jammed up against me sleeping most of the way.   

Then we landed in the nation's Capital to make a connecting flight on toward my home in Mississippi Sunday midafternoon, but little did I realize I had just entered the perfect storm for stranded travelers.   

A strong storm system had developed along the whole Eastern Seaboard that was to send all of us weary travelers into a holding pattern for the better part of 3 days.   

For me it meant scurrying into the dark of midnight in a strange city with no hotel voucher or taxi voucher or meal voucher from the airline because the cancellation was weather related.   

The rescheduled flight had to be made at a neighboring airport 30 minutes away and all this was a new wrinkle on this old face.   

The next day was much the same, delays and cancellations galore greeted all of us weary travelers trying to get home.   

That second night I was sent to the 2nd connecting flight into Charlotte N. C. and after a whole night in that strange airport with no sleep I was facing a third night away from home.   

I was finally standing ready to board my final connecting flight for Jackson MS. howbeit worn to a frazzle with little sleep.   

The few planes that were making it through kept having me stand aside with other passengers being put in my place.   

I had been issued a special made ticket confirmed with seat 7 C, a window seat assigned 4 hours earlier and was happy as a kid on Christmas morning ready to board and get home to my family.   

As I stepped up to hand the agent my boarding pass to board she said, “Sir, please stand aside, there is a problem, your seat is confirmed but there is a weight problem with the flight and the captain said you may not be going on this flight.”   

I stepped aside in disbelief as I watched all the others file pass and go to their seats.   

Then it started at my feet, that burning sensation.   

It dawned on me I was being played by my arch enemy, the devil trying to make my life miserable by holding me up.  

A holy boldness came over me to put my foot down on all this nonsense.  

I bowed my head and breathed a short prayer and said, “Ma’am, you tell that pilot I'm getting on that plane."  

She did and he came off the plane to size me up and I told him in a soft and polite manner, “Sir, I’m just returning home from serving my country in Iraq and I have been hung up in 3 airports for this the third day.   

I was issued this ticket 4 hours ago and I’m getting on that plane.   

You can remove my baggage and toss it but I’m getting on that plane.  

You may have to put my little rear end on that toilet seat in the toilet all the way to Jackson, but I’m getting on that plane.”   
He looked at me and as he turned to go, a faint grin was crossing his face.   

I looked at the agent and I said to her once again, “Do whatever you have to do, but I’m getting on that plane.”   

The Bible says to be angry but sin not. (Eph. 4:26)   

I had to repent because I was angry and let's just say my righteous indignation had got stirred up.   

But enough was enough and my faith had kicked in.  

No matter who you are, you are going to be tested as I.  

My company had bought those tickets for my return home 5 days before and here I was being bumped for other passengers for the third time in a row.   

I don't know what the change agent was, perhaps my slim appearance of 160 lbs. or my redneck philosophy or his appreciation of my services rendered in Iraq or the combination of all.    

All I can tell you is I have repented for my anger but I got on that plane.   

God bless you and God bless America.