The flight to Salt Lake City was a four-hour journey. On top of that my flight included a two-hour layover in Utah.  In addition to that schedule was another hour-plus flight to my final destination.

That’s the quiet cost of ministry across the country. I’m sure that it pales in comparison to my buddies who are constantly overseas. But, for me this is the common routine of the extra that I do just because…

National ministry does not allow for any slow down of the other stuff on my calendar. Even when I am booking a flight I am thinking about my regular duties that must be maintained. But, the ease of selecting my own travel schedule on-line is convenient and simple.

When I arrived at the airport, I was notified that my flight was delayed. Instantly, I did an assessment of my available time. That’s when I pulled out my computer.  Opening my backpack, my portable office popped out.  I started blogging, emailing, researching, studying and planning. But, time was not my friend.

Suddenly we are all notified that our once-delayed-flight was now being moved up. Hundreds of us quickly shut down our portable offices, repacked our gear and rose to board the plane. My eyes glance at my wristwatch, confirm the time with the terminal clock and puzzle over my schedule for the day.

There is no juice on the plane. That absence makes me antsy. I resign myself to reading, praying, thinking, and resting my eyes for a few moments.

Detroit International Airport didn’t have any juice or internet access. That made my attempt at being productive subject to substantial limitations. The crowded boarding area had precious few outlets. Each one was already claimed.

But, once I landed in Salt Lake City, the airport welcomed busy working people. Throughout the waiting area, laptops were buzzing away. some were on computer telephone connections, others playing games, and a few composing a myriad of writing assignments.

My optimism rose. Could they have free wi-fi? Yes, my computer blinked and purred into action. The icon for a strong connection lit up and I was in business.

After an hour my work ceased abruptly. My computer just shut down. The entire screen went blank. Rats! Now I needed juice.

It was hunt. Every outlet for electrical power was being used. I wandered in wider and wider circles sniffing out a source for power, a chair to sit in and a final chance to post my daily blog. There away from the crowd, I found all that I was needing. The gate agent smiled seeing the relief on my face that I could get juiced up and on my way to connecting with you.

photo credit: Google image