Lord, I’m so frustrated.
This trip hasn’t gone at all as planned and
I’m not having fun!
We can’t sit together, can’t sleep.
I spilled my drink,
and even the movie screen doesn’t work.

I don’t want to do this anymore!
One delay (or several) has ruined
our carefully made schedule.
One miss and the rest fall like dominoes.

We hurried up to get here in time only to wait—
because others were late,
the storm struck,
the plane broke down,
or the staff delayed.

Now there’s a long line to make new arrangements.
We haven’t eaten and can’t find food
(or only overpriced food).
There are no seats to sink weary bodies into
(or they’re hard or not enough for everyone),
no available rent cars, or taxis, or transport.
An already tedious trip made longer by waiting—
Waiting for the next flight, bus, or train.

Lord, we’re sleep deprived and hungry,
fussy and grumbly.
The children whine and we snap at them.
We disagree on what to do next.
Fight or flight reactions kick in.
We need your help—now!

Lead us to a kind service agent.
Give us creative solutions.
Help us find a short line,
a quick bite to eat,
a bed for the night.
Keep the phone and computer battery working,
the call connected,
the language understandable.

Help us remain calm, and
turn frustration into rest.
May our replies be gracious
and our actions thoughtful.
Help us help one another understand,
be patient, see your hand at work, and
appreciate small miracles.

Increase our strength of soul
to persevere until the journey’s end,
however unlikely the means
or the length of the trip.
Give us resilience to pivot, regroup, find grit,
solve problems, and keep going.

Help us remember that while the call
to take the gospel to the ends of the earth
means frequent trips,
which means more opportunities for
things to go wrong—
you go with us,
you aren’t caught off guard,
you help and provide, and
we will (eventually) reach our destination.