Day 13
We Cannot Be Separated From God
Reflection By: Tom Burns

The time I felt the most separated from GOD was after losing my job as a pilot for the bankrupt Eastern Air Lines. As far as looking for another job, I felt I was doing everything GOD wanted me to do. I was going to mass everyday, sending out resumes, and networking with as many people as I could, but nothing was happening. Getting very frustrated and nearing the end of my patience with our funds running out, I called out to GOD again and again. Eventually, I received a call from the Navy Reserves who wanted me to come in and fly with them. I jumped at the chance and was off to Chicago . While in Chicago , one of the pilots told me of an opening at Motorola for a corporate pilot. I went in, talked to their Chief Pilot, and he offered me a job. They even paid to move us from Miami to Chicago . About a year later, out of the blue, United Airlines contacted me for an interview and hired me as a flight officer. In hindsight, I see GOD had his hand in the whole situation - getting called back into the reserves, being hired by Motorola and being moved to Chicago , then getting the United Airlines job (who wouldn't have paid for our move to Chicago ). GOD was and is always with us.

I would like to share with you a poem that I often read when I feel alone and separated from GOD:

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied, "My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

May our good LORD bless you with his grace and peace today and always.