by Mark Sorensen on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11:33am
I was in Chicago that weekend working with an ELCA Outdoor Ministry committee. Our task was to help develop and deploy a new software management solution for Bible Camps. AAL, now Thrivent, had provided a $750,000 grant and the need among Camps was significant.
We wrapped up early so I decided to catch a TWA flight back to Sioux City. Remember this was the day before 9/11 so it was an easy task to board the first flight to Dallas. I then boarded a turbo prop in Dallas heading to Sioux City with the attendant suggesting I take the first seat on the left side of the plane.
The drone of the plane soon had me thinking a nap would be a good idea. Mentally I had envisioned the plane’s flight path cutting across Iowa but not really thinking about the sight I was about to see.
The flight was about 15,000 feet up and I had just dozed off when a slight jump by the plane woke me. I rubbed my eyes and looked down at the beautiful Iowa countryside. From that height the landscape is neatly divided into squares which mark each mile. Growing up in the country we always referred to the farm where we lived as being 9 miles east, 3 miles north and 1/4 mile east of Harlan Iowa. No street or road signs or names then just miles and landmarks. Those from the Shelby County area would know we lived 3 miles north and 1/4 mile north of the small town (50 people) of Jacksonville Iowa.
My mind refocused after waking up from the snooze and I notice some familiar landmarks. I realized our planes path cut diagonally across Iowa and had crossed Highway 44. There below me Highway 44 curved near a group of grain bins. There to my amazement was Jacksonville Iowa. I strained closer to the window to confirm my discovery. And then I counted 1 mile... 2 miles... 3 miles north and 1/4 mile east and there was our farm place. Wow!
This was a beloved place where Paul and I led many adventures and learned many lessons. Learning to work and play hard and accepting most all assignments as part of our family responsibilities. There I remembered the East Barn, South Barn, Corn Crib, Horse Barn, the Creek and the Silo. It was days before I left for Dana College I was up on top of that Silo surveying the farm below me and weeping knowing life was about to change forever.
Emotions swept through me on the plane that day thanking God for waking me for this glimpse of the Farm place and restored memories of a blessed childhood. I exited the plane in Sioux City greeted by my father picking me up for the trip back to the Camp. I went on and on about the God moment not knowing what the next day, 9/11, would bring. From tranquility and peace to fearful days ahead for the country questioning what the future might hold.
I believe that God moment helped prepare me for the days ahead. Thank you Jesus!
