"Or put them in airplane mode" This is the instruction we hear moments before takeoff in an airplane. The instruction is to prevent electronic equipment from interfering with the aircraft's systems. But curiously it is in those moments where we hear the most messages coming in and out, messages beep, we hear fingers typing at full speed in an almost perfect way, but surely the messages come out with all the spelling mistakes, the important thing is to send the messages. We are on a thirty-two (32) minute flight from Cali to Medellin, Colombia.
It is an early morning flight, 7:20 AM; many of the passengers are executives going to work and probably returning the same day. Messages are important and they must get to their destination before they have to turn off their phones.
The plane starts to taxi down the runway and the fingers go faster, the time is getting shorter. The flight attendant announces that cell phones must be in airplane mode or turned off again, messages and calls become more dynamic. Beeps, buzzers, keyboards sounds incredibly fast.
Young people on the other hand have taken selfies arriving at the airport, at the airline counter, in the departure lounge, boarding, seated, taking off. I don't know if they publish all the photos they take or if they generate a large, very large database to choose the best photos.
The plane accelerates, the whistles, buzzers, keys, selfies, social networks do not stop ringing. The plane raises the nose about to take off, the last moments of being on the ground arrive, the plane takes off, total silence in the cabin. In the background a few last beeps sound, the letters write slower, until they stop completely.
We are talking about a thirty-two (32) minute flight. What is so important that it needs a few extra lines before take-off that won't wait a few minutes for the plane to land? What appears on the social network that needs me to give it one last "like" or emoji? What is so important that it doesn't allow me to enjoy a thirty-two minute flight in peace? And the most important and relevant question, Is this behavior on the plane only or also at home with family, at a family gathering or with friends?
I JUST CAN'T DISCONNECT!
How cute to think that we are so indispensable, that the world around us depends on us. And I say cute because it is loaded with naivety.
Think of a newborn baby. He is a fragile creature and totally dependent on his/her mother, but even this baby can live without the mother if she should ever be absent. That said, are you that indispensable?
Executives can say, "We are important and we have responsibilities". Five minutes is important is open heart surgery, but for an office, business or instructions, there was and there will be enough time. But even in your best effort, God is in control of everything, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!!!
"Who forms the light and creates the darkness, who makes peace and creates adversity. I am the LORD who does all this" Isaiah 45:7
No matter what you do, where you go, what job you have or the long list of responsibilities, always keep peace in your heart. What good is it to work and make all the money you want if you get sick and can't sleep well unless you take pills to make it?
"And may the Lord of peace himself give you peace in every way. The Lord be with you all" 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
"But Jesus answered, "My Father always works, and so do I"" John 5:17.
So the next time you hear "Turn off your electronics" do it in peace, in obedience and with the assurance that all will be well. God is in control of everything and He will make everything work out even if you are sleeping during the flight or enjoying a coffee while you are flying back to the ground; you did everything you had to do, let God do His part. If you are at a meeting enjoy your family and friends; and leave the social networks for a moment, there will be time for that.
God bless you!