A thankful, cheerful spirit can be cultivated by considering what might have been, and then rejoicing that it wasn’t. There’s an article on CNN today about the emotions of the passengers aboard Northwest Flight 253, now that some time has passed since they were nearly killed by the Christmas Day Underwear Bomber. One of the passengers, Roey Rosenblith, 25, had a great thing to say. This is very preach-able (except maybe for the beer reference).
Though this might sound strange, for me personally almost getting killed 30,000 feet above the earth by an al Qaeda terrorist has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Now being alive, seeing the blue sky, hearing the rain fall, eating a delicious meal, drinking a beer with a friend – everyday stuff just feels like an amazing gift… I feel as though I’ve somehow cheated death and against all odds been given this gift of continuing my life.
I actually have my boarding pass framed now, and it’s sitting on my desk, right next to a little prayer book I keep with its page turned to Psalm 23. I keep it there simply to remind myself that whatever happens to me, things could always be far worse.
It reminds me of an incident from the life of St. Francis of Assisi, a quote from Winston Churchill, and from a story from a Dale Carnegie book. I’ll post those over the next few day. It’ll make a good multi-part series on the joys of not being killed.
Speaking of the weekend, I’m leaving today to speak at a Pigeon Forge retreat sponsored by my friends, Jerry and Linda Scarborough, of Columbus, Georgia. It’s a beautiful weekend with lots of sunshine, and I’m looking forward to the trip. Thanks to all who hold us up in prayer.