Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Ruth Lemus
Friday, November 29, 2024
[Note from Pastor Maylan: Today’s Daily Photo Parable is by guest blogger Ruth Lemus, a woman who loves the Lord and keeps her eyes wide open to watch Him at work. Thanks, Ruth!]
As I wandered through the airport awaiting my flight, it occurred to me to ask the Lord for a special request on this particular flight. Time and again as I had flown in the past, I was diligent about praying during takeoff and landings but it had never occurred to me to make this particular request which seemed unique.
Boarding the plane, I focused on seeking the first empty window seat I could find. Much to my delight, I soon found the coveted window seat, about midway down the aisle finding an entire row of empty seats.
Once settled in my seat, I grinned as I discovered this was a coveted seat for anyone with longer legs than mine! In order to provide ample access to the emergency exit, the seat that should have been in front of me had been removed.
Tickled by the excessive leg room that my petite stature did not need, I took a quick photo to share with my tall friends later on.
Once all the passengers were seated, the flight attendant came by asking the passengers in the emergency row to confirm that they had no conditions that would hinder their ability to assist in an emergency evacuation. Much to my dismay, I found myself debating my own ability to operate the exit door, understand the emergency procedures and be willing to take on such a responsibility.
In faith that this was the Lord-appointed seat for me and that no emergency would ensue, I decided to stay put and listen attentively to the instructions. Then I proceeded to study the emergency procedure flyer cover-to-cover, carefully noting the wing outside, even locating the small metal ring where the passenger volunteers would need to attach the emergency line.
While debating in my head, I’d been tempted to give up my perfectly wonderful seat. Should I move to another row? No, I needed to stay put. How could I move? Because my prayer request had been to sit by Jesus on this particular flight and I was sure I was sitting in the seat the Lord had provided to answer my prayer.
I chuckled to myself as I thought, Of course! The emergency row is precisely where Jesus would be most called upon should there be a need to evacuate the airplane unexpectedly!