I used to travel for work, at times traveling most of the month…and I was afraid to fly.  I found that reading the Bible during my flight really helped me reel in those fears.  My favorite verse while flying became Isaiah 43:2 (NIV):

“When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze”

In fact, this became a mantra that I would recite over & over on the plane.  I found peace in this verse knowing that God cares for us in all situations.  He guides us and protects us. And even during the “waters”, “rivers” and “fires” He comforts us.    Over time, I had more peace when flying.  I was able to focus on how amazing it is that God has blessed the pilot and flight attendants with amazing skills to care for the passengers.  I could look out the window and marvel at how God allowed this giant hunk of metal to be airborne.  I rested in knowing that God is ultimately in control of all things.  And I would stare at the amazing creations of God (the clouds, sunsets, corn fields, and mountains all beautifully visible from the plane window).  Flying became a time for me to be thankful and humble in God’s presence.

The other day as I pondered this, I realized the same mantra could be said by stepmoms such as myself. The stepmom journey can be filled with moments that are scary, bumpy, turbulent, unexpected and often out of our control.  And how wonderful is it to know that God cares for us in all situations, ultimately He is in control and has a beautiful plan.

What are you thankful for today?