Safe In the Palm of His Hand

 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” *

            Reports of accidents that occur while flying on an airplane tend to create anxiety, don’t they? An image that brings me comfort and reassurance whenever Al and I board an airplane is that of God gently picking up the plane, carrying us in the palm of His hand and setting it down at the point of our destination.

That image helped again on a recent trip to California to attend a family reunion at the home of my sister Jan, and brother-in-law Glenn, in Bakersfield. In spite of some air turbulence, the flight to Fresno via Salt Lake City went well. Thanks to God for holding us in His hand!

After the reunion, while still in Bakersfield, we planned to visit a long-time friend of the family, Rita Loken. Then, we also wanted to make a short trip to Morro Bay on the Pacific Coast, as well as to Porterville to meet with close friends there before heading back to Michigan.  

Once at the Fresno Air Terminal parking lot, it took a while for the attendants to locate a car, even though Al had made a reservation ahead of time. When one was finally found, we were relieved to get out of the 110-degree heat and happy to be on our way south.

After a brief stop about an hour’s drive away from Bakersfield, a warning signal began beeping incessantly. The cause of the beeping was finally discovered when we pulled into a  truck stop, amazingly right next to a vehicle that was the same model and year as our rental car!

When I approached the car’s owner to ask for assistance, he kindly came over and quickly discovered the problem. Instead of having to turn around and return the car to the rental company in Fresno, we were able to continue on our way south. Another wonderful answer to prayer!

Once in Bakersfield, we were greeted by Jan, Glenn, and my brother Jack who had also come from out of town for the reunion. A pre-reunion! The next morning, Jan and Glenn generously hosted over fifty of us at their spacious home.

With the temperature expected to hit 113 degrees, their pool was a welcome refuge for the kids as well as brave adults; and those who didn’t swim kept cool inside.

It was fun reconnecting with many of my nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their spouses, some of whom Al and I hadn’t seen in several years. We were the oldest ones there and great-niece, Sadie Mae, the youngest at 5 months!

Even with power-talking, unfortunately there still wasn’t enough time to visit with everyone!  This was the opportune time to get together, especially since traveling is getting harder as we age, and also for others in the family who have moved out of Bakersfield.

After leaving Bakersfield, we drove to into a layer of fog at Morro Bay. The change was drastic from the hot, sunny weather in Bakersfield to 69 degrees in only three hours! In fact, during the summer months, hot weather inland often creates fog at the coast.

We walked along the bluffs at Montaña de Oro State Park, looking down at the surf pounding on the rocks below and hearing the cries of the sea birds. Good to be back!

After spending the night at Morro Bay, we were on the road again, this time headed to Mark and Sue Wright’s home in Porterville for lunch and a stop afterwards to reconnect with another long-time friend before turning in the rental car at the Fresno airport.

The fog cleared up a few miles inland after leaving Morro Bay and the rest of the journey went smoothly…that is until the very last leg of the flight from Salt Lake City to Detroit, when we again encountered rough air. A thoughtful stewardess offered me her arm and carefully escorted me to my seat, after having walked to a restroom in the back of the plane.

Al and I are grateful that the Lord protected us as we traveled and brought us home safely. We are also grateful for the family and friends that welcomed us so warmly while in California. God is good!

 

*Isaiah 41:10 NIV