“I’m leavin’ on a jet plane …”

Three days after our return from Rancho Santa Marta, Don and I boarded a flight from San Francisco to Amsterdam, then on to Prague. I never thought I’d be in Prague, or in Budapest, or in Durnstein. These places were far beyond my expectations.

But here we were. God had again given us the privilege of traveling to places Don and I hadn’t seen before.

We planned to meet my brother and sister-in-law from Kansas, Arnold and Carol, in Amsterdam and continue on together from there. Don and I were walking thru the airport when I looked up and saw my big brother (one of them) standing right in front of me. We hugged tight!

Crossing the Danube in Prague

Prague was a joy. It hurt so good to walk miles every day.

Tower of the charming town of Durnstein, with the old castle of Richard the Lionhart above the town.

Stunning Budapest

The Strauss Mozart concert in Vienna was a dream. Fabulous musicians, gifted soloists, and a conductor who very obviously delighted in his work and also his team of musicians. I think I enjoyed watching him more than anything else during the music. Sometimes the conductor let his arms hang at his sides while the orchestra played superbly on their own. At other times he led with gusto, added a “nod” with his baton to bring in the sound of birds, or exchanged smiles with one of his players. I reveled in watching their joy in their craft.

Imagine Jesus looking at us, conducting us through life–not preventing all bad things, not directly causing all good things–but there, sovereign over all. Like that conductor, God delights in His children, especially as we look back at Him with smiles of joy in response to His love and direction.

In “Chariots of Fire,” the character playing Olympian Eric Liddell is asked why he wants to run rather than become a missionary. His response: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

“For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Zephaniah 3:17, NLT

When do you feel the Father’s pleasure?