WAY TO LAX

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5a

      A few years ago my dear friend Granny Marshall, a remarkably spry eighty -year-old, said to me, "Some long-time friends in Canada have invited me to come and visit them.  I have my reservation made but I'll need a ride to the airport."  Eager to help my friend, I volunteered, "Granny, I'll be glad to drive you to the airport."

      The weather was unusually warm as I drove to Grann's house in Quail Valley.  It was just nine o'clock when I arrived. We had decided to leave early in order to plenty of time for an early lunch and ample time for checking in for her flight to Canada.  Granny was ready when I got there and came out of her house with a bulging handbag and a rather worn-looking
tapestry carpet bag.

      "Is that all the luggage you are taking, Granny?  What about a coat?", I asked.  The thin red-and-white gingham dress she was wearing hardly seemed appropriate for Fall weather in Canada.

      With a radiant smile on her face she said, "Girl, you worry too much.   I have my Bible in my purse and a sweater in my carpet bag.  Now let's get going...it is a long way to Los Angeles."

      In a rather shaky voice I exclaimed, "Los Angeles--did you say Los Angeles?"  I tried not to reveal the panic rising inside.  "Granny, I thought you were flying out of Ontario."  Wild thought were running through my mind to the point of sheer panic--LA!  I don't "do" LA!  She wants me to drive her to LAX!  "Oh Lord!  Help!"

      I glanced over at Granny hoping for some reassurance.  There she sat, serene as can be, smiling as though she hadn't a care in the world.  I think Granny detected my anxiety because a moment later she said again, "Girl, you worry too much. You know, I used to live in Los Angeles.  I'll give you directions when we get to the city."

      All the way to Los Angeles Granny was telling me about her friends in Canada, but I don't recall a word because I was too busy praying.

      Soon we were in downtown Los Angeles.  When we reached the intersection of Fifth and Figuora Granny instructed me saying, "At the next intersection take the ramp on the left."  This brought us back around to Fifth and Figuora.  Traffic was heavy and I was a nervous wreck as I tried to figure out where to turn next.  After arriving at Fifth and Figuora for the third time I glanced over at Granny who was sitting there still calmly smiling.

      Under my breath I mumbled, "For crying out loud, how can she sit there smiling when we are lost and running out of time?"  In my panic I prayed out loud, "Oh God, we need help.  Show me the way to LAX."

      As we approached that same intersection this time I announced irritably, "Granny, I'm going to take the ramp on the right and see where it takes us."  Lo and behold we ended up on Century Boulevard!  Then I spotted the sign--To Los Angeles International Airport.  God had answered my frantic prayers!  We reached the terminal with no time to spare.

      As Granny gathered her carpetbag and purse she said, "I'm sorry we didn't have time for lunch...take this ten dollars and go have lunch."  She didn't say it but I knew she was thinking...poor girl, will she ever learn to trust God?

      I can still see her standing on the curb waving at me, her blue eyes twinkling and that unforgettable smile lighting up her face.