May 25, 2017

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Peggy Uhle was preparing for her flight from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio. She had stored her bag and turned her phone off. Her Southwest flight was moving across the tarmac when suddenly the plane turned and began to return to the gate. The passengers were confused. No one knew what was going on, including Peggy.

When the plane was safely back at the gate, Peggy was approached by a Southwest flight attendant. They asked her to come with them and leave the plane. Peggy was shocked. She did not understand why she was being removed from her flight. She went with the attendant, out of the plane and into the terminal.

It was in the terminal that the Southwest employees told Peggy that her husband had been trying to contact her, but she had already turned her phone off. Sadly, Peggy’s son had been in a terrible accident and was in the hospital in Denver, Colorado. She was told that they had taken the liberty of rearranging her travel so that she could be with her son. They offered Peggy a private waiting area for her plane to Denver. Peggy was soon by her son’s side to help him recover from his accident.

The past few weeks we have celebrated many of the great racers who have been victorious on the racetrack. When I read this story about Peggy Uhle’s travel I was reminded that we are not in this journey alone. No racer is a champion all by themselves. There are times in our life that we need the help of others to be successful on our trip. We should remember them and be thankful. There are other times when we can help others, making their journey a better experience. The Southwest staff’s hospitality, compassion and willingness to go out of their way to help blessed Peggy and her family. I am grateful that we are not in this race of life alone. I wonder whom we may bless today as we make this journey together?

Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor