DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

I recently took a short trip via our fine air travel system. I don't know why people complain so much about the small problems they encounter in airports. Security clearance, cramped seats, extra fees and even delays are nothing compared to the blessing of being able to board an aircraft and two hours later have gone a thousand miles. The same distance 140 years ago would have taken four days by train, or two months by covered wagon. Truly, air travel is a breeze by any standard of comfort.

The day after returning, however, I did encounter a minor problem. Someone  "hacked" my credit card and charged a bunch of money to United Airlines, probably for a ticket. I had not used my credit card or even taken it out of my wallet the entire trip, so it was probably a random number some crook's computer conjured up. Or else it was a scanner that can read anything in your pocket.

But that was minor too. A quick call to Visa cancelled our account and a pair of new cards was Fed-Exed to our door 24 hours later. A few hours on our phone and computer put the new number into accounts where it was needed. So simple! When it comes to our Visa, Carol and I "Don't Leave Home Without It!" I believe American Express first said that.

Is there anything else we don't leave home without? I'm sure each of us has a few things that go with us everywhere - watch if we wear one, glasses or hearing aids if we need them, wallet or purse contents which vary greatly with each of us. All those are important and yet minor things we carry around.

How about our faith in Jesus? What about our hope for the future? On my trip I had spoken to a Men's Retreat on the theme, "A Hope and A Future in Christ," based on Jeremiah 29:11-14. Jeremiah prophesied at a time when people of Judah were in exile hundreds of miles from home in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah's message was rather amazing, considering the hardships they were facing: "Settle down in your new land, build homes, plant crops, marry the locals and raise families, because God will bless you there. Don't listen to the complainers, but build up and prosper in the land of your exile, and if you are faithful to God, after seventy years God will bring you home again." (Jeremiah 29:5-10, abbreviated paraphrase) Jeremiah would have agreed with Midwesterners who often say, "Make the best of it!"

It's easy to grumble when things don't go our way, but it's far better to trust God and follow His Word. Jeremiah also told them what God said,"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). Those comforting words have been a blessing for all who trust the God of our salvation and His Son Jesus Christ.

Trust in God - "Don't Leave Home Without It!"