Anger and irritation lurk around the edges of my morning. I rested well. The first cup of coffee was good. So far, so good for a Wednesday. It was what happened last night that still rubs me the wrong way. 

Yesterday was a good day. I got to coach three cohorts of pastors from across the USA. Our team met with another group of pastors in our offices at lunch. They were so much fun to work with. 

Today I will meet with more pastors and directors of missions like me from across America. It will be a good day. Here’s where the irritability enters the picture. 

I was supposed to board a flight to Detroit tonight and lead training with the Michigan Baptist Convention tomorrow. However, when I was checking in for my flight, a new popup I had not seen before said I could not check in for my flight if I had been around someone who tested positive for COVID in the last ten days or so. 

My bride had COVID last week. 

Both of us are doubly vaccinated and both of us plan to get the booster shot when it is available. My wife’s case did not require hospitalization, thankfully. I tested negative for COVID and have had no symptoms, no fever, no nothing while she was sick or since her recovery. 

So, I called American Airlines and explained the situation. I was looking for wiggle room that would allow me to fly. The representative was pleasant and kind and asked me what the new popup instructions said. I told her. She said that it sounds like I should not fly. (Sigh)

The team we are working with in Michigan is at a crucial turn in the process. I really wanted to be there to help guide them toward God’s special future for their state. Not gonna happen. 

So, I have an as-yet-unplanned day tomorrow. By the time I have my second cup of coffee this morning, I will turn the corner and seek answers to one of my favorite fog-cutting questions: What does this make possible?

Already several to-do list items come to mind. This problem provides new opportunities to resolve some issues simmering on the back burner and awaiting my stirring spoon. 

I went to bed last night praying about the possibilities. This morning I re-read Psalm 143 including verse 8 above. This verse has shaped my daily prayers for three decades. The New International Version from 1984 puts it this way:

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I will seek God’s direction and enjoy the revised journey.

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