When I graduated from Liberty University in 1974, I had already started a new church in Frederick, Maryland. I stayed there 18 years, until age 40, when I began my archaeological career in earnest.
Last weekend I flew to Israel to lead the 10th season of excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir, sponsored by my archaeological organization, the Associates for Biblical Research. (http://www.biblearchaeology.org/). At this point in my life, I arrive in time to run the excavation on site every day for two weeks and then fly home to teach class here the following Monday morning.
I really have a great life. I love my job at Helping Up Mission as well as the opportunity to continue my archaeological work, which is such an important part of my life and ministry. God is good.
So last Saturday afternoon I had a wonderful flight from DC to Paris with carry-on luggage only. That’s where I met Solarah and her mother (see upcoming blog). The only problem was our flight arrived 45 minutes late and I just missed my connection to Vienna, for a later flight to Tel Aviv (cheapest flight plan I could find!).
I started to develop an attitude, but decided to practice the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. So, from Paris they gave me a direct flight to Tel Aviv. I would arrive about the same time to connect with my people at the airport in Tel Aviv. God is still good.
But this flight was also 45 minutes late and they even made me check my carry-on bag – one kilo over limit! But I picked up my now-checked bag almost immediately and, when I got outside the airport, my vehicle was just ready to leave. God is good, all the time!
I didn’t deserve any of this, but that’s God and this is how He rolls!
One flight at a time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Spiritual Life Director