Tammy On Tuesday ~ Feeling Like A Nothing from Zone 4

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For the eleven plus years we traveled as the music ministry, Calling Levi, we were on the road A LOT and we flew often.  I recall one day several years ago waiting for a flight and feeling inspired to write a post to encourage those who think they are less that special.  I get that way sometimes.  Hope this post encourages you today.

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(originally posted in 2013)

Airports.

I could probably find a thousand blog topics from my experiences at airports alone.  I flew out to Nashville last Tuesday morning and while waiting to board the plane I turned to my friend and said, “I know what my next blog thought will be.”PINIMAGE

It all began when the gate agent picked up the mic and started the boarding process for our flight.

“We will now begin boarding flight 823 with service to Nashville.”

In general terms, the closest I think I’ve ever come to feeling like a big nothing is holding a coach ticket during the boarding process of a flight.  (Mind you, we always fly coach.)

“Would all of the special, gold platinum, L series, VIP club, star awards, esteemed, value members please board at this time?” (Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a tiny bit.)

No takers.

I think to myself, “These people must be very rare and very exquisitely important.”  I wondered, “Do these people buy their shoes from Italy?  Are all of their clothes tailor made?”

Without a hitch she continued on with her oration.
“Would all of the silver club, high priority, luminary, all access members please approach the podium at this time to board.”  (Okay, once again, I’m embellishing just slightly.)

One person walks proudly to the gate and hands her their ticket.

Then we have the first class.  There used to be a time when first class fliers were the “big enchiladas”.  Come to find out, if your first class, you’re no longer the most special on the list.  You’ve been demoted.  She beckoned and they came.

Next were the business class customers.   A handful of them rushed the podium and boarded the plane.  Most seemed very important and preoccupied.

With an air of disdain, the gate agent then announced, “We will now begin the general boarding process beginning with ‘Zone 1’.”   A group of people stood, gathered up their things and shuffled to the podium.  This continued with Zone 2 and Zone 3.

I looked down at my ticket…Zone 4.

What I’m wondering, while I stare, is, “Will there be fanfare for zone 4?”  I work hard.  I pay my taxes.  I do my best to be a good wife and mom…why do I feel like such a failure because I’m in Zone 4?

I collected my things, anticipating my zone’s moment to shine, when the agent spoke into the mic once again.  “All other zones may board at this time.”  All zones?!?!?   Is that it?  Is that all I get?  I had been grouped in with a whole pile of customers…the leftovers.  Deflated, I joined the line of “after-thoughts” and went aboard.

I know my tone is playful…okay, cynical.  But the whole ordeal causes me to rejoice in something that rings true for me, for you, for everyone…no matter what ticket they purchase when they fly.

I’m so glad that God loves us all the same! 

I’m glad we don’t need to buy God’s affection or join a special club to be counted as more valuable to Him.

God offers His love and redemption to ALL who will come to Him – That Includes ME.  That includes YOU!

Throughout scripture we see that we are able to approach our loving God, not because who we are or what we’ve done, but because of who HE is and because of His open invitation to us.

HE CONSIDERS US SPECIAL.

He expresses this beautiful promise best through His own words in scripture.

Titus 3:5-7
He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Psalm 139:13-14   You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.

Isaiah 64:8  Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Zephaniah 3:17  For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

2 Peter 1:4
And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:19
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37-39
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Okay, so maybe you’re feeling less than special today.  Maybe you are feeling like your stuck in Zone 4.  But be reminded today…God sent His only Son (Christ) to die for you so that you could have fellowship with Him.  He beckons each of us to come to Him.  I hope you’re encouraged by this amusing airport observation.  It’s time to board!