Airport Security Lessons

Earlier this week, I headed out to California for a quick trip to a Christ in Youth event. As I went through the security lines, I was so proud of myself. Pride usually isn't the feeling I get when I go through airport security lines, but on this day on particular, I had packed lighter than I ever had before! I had everything I needed for my trip in one small backpack and my purse. For this girl who packs WAY too much for EVERY trip, it was pretty much miraculous! (Just to give you an idea, on a 6 day trip I took last month, my bag weighed exactly 50 pounds. Whoops).

Anyway, back to the story....

Before boarding my flight, I went to the little airport store to buy a bottle of water and my debit card was declined. What?! I was confused and caught off guard. I asked the gentleman to run my card once more and again it was declined. By this point, I was fairly embarrassed and quickly paid with some of the little cash stash that I had.

My flight was boarding in ten minutes and I had a small amount of cash. I mean, who carries cash these days?! I called my bank and asked them what was going on. They told me that some fraudulent company in Michigan had tried to use my card multiple times in the last 48 hours so they deactivated my card. I told them I was traveling and that I needed some money; my card was the main way I was planning to pay for things! The bank was not able to provide a solution so I boarded my plane not knowing what to do with only $15 cash and a few days away from home ahead of me.  

As I sat on the plane, trying to think about what to do, my thoughts took a turn. Instead of being consumed with what to do, I starting thinking about how much this situation had rattled me. I felt totally ill-equipped for my trip because of this hiccup. I had to stop and ask myself, 

"In what do I find my security?

What makes me feel safe and in control?"

I am a planner and I like to know what to expect. I like to be ready for the road ahead and not have bumps along the way. Yet, in this life we live, this is an unattainable and somewhat silly goal. The unknown will always be present. In fact, some of the best gifts come as surprises. In order to embrace the unexpected gifts and overcome the figurative potholes, I must first be able to embrace the security that comes from Christ alone. If my security is found in my circumstances or stuff (including debit cards) I am placing my foundation on sinking sand. 

I was able to figure out my money situation after all... Thank goodness! However, I ended up being even more thankful for the unexpected lesson from Jesus. He is my security. He is my hope. He is my consistency in this ever changing world. 

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

- Carly