We Still Made It
Lessons from a turbulent journey
As I made my way to the airport on Thursday to return home after visiting family for the holidays, my phone buzzed repeatedly with notifications.
“Your flight has been delayed.”
First, it was 10 minutes…
Then 20…
Then 30.
By the time I actually got to the airport, I was already over it. I just wanted to get home.
Once we finally boarded, I thought the worst was behind us. I settled into my seat, clicked on my seatbelt, and hit play on my Gospel playlist.
As we got in the air, I quickly realized that I was wrong. The turbulence was no joke. It was probably the worst that I’d ever experienced and it felt like it lasted the whole flight. On top of that, there was a medical situation on board. It wasn’t an emergency, thankfully, but it slowed everything down even more once we landed.
It was a long, bumpy, chaotic trip. Yet, through all of it, one thought kept coming to mind as I braced myself in my seat:
We’re still going to make it.
And we did.
As I sat there waiting to get off the plane, I couldn’t help but think about how much this flight mirrored life, and for some of us, how much it mirrored 2024. For many of us, this year may have felt a lot like my flight: full of delays, unexpected turbulence, and moments where you weren’t sure how, or if, you’d reach your destination.
Maybe your goals were derailed.
Maybe you faced challenges that shook you to your core.
Maybe life just didn’t go as planned.
But here’s the truth: you’re still here. You’ve still made it this far. And that counts for something.
Here are three lessons that I learned from this flight:
Lesson #1: Delays don’t cancel the destination
Just because my flight was delayed didn’t mean it was canceled. The same goes for your life. Delays may slow you down, but they don’t have to stop you. That dream you’ve been waiting on? It’s still possible. Keep showing up, even when it feels like you’re stuck at the gate.
Lesson #2: Turbulence is part of the journey
When the plane hit those bumps and my stomach dropped to my feet, I couldn’t change the conditions outside. All I could do was trust the pilot, pray, and ride it out. In life, turbulence happens. The question is, will you let it shake your faith? Or will you trust the One who can calm the winds?
Lesson #3: Focus on the outcome
By the time we landed, all the delays and turbulence didn’t even matter. What mattered was that we arrived safely. The same is true for the challenges you’ve faced this year. They may have stretched you, but they didn’t stop you. Celebrate that you’re still standing.
As we end 2024, take a moment to reflect on your own journey.
Maybe it wasn’t smooth.
Maybe it didn’t look like what you envisioned.
But you’re here.
And you’re stronger, wiser, and more resilient than when you started.
Let this be a reminder: the delays, turbulence, and unexpected detours don’t define you.
Here are a few questions for you to ponder today:
What were some of the “delays” or setbacks you faced in 2024, and how did they shape you?
How can you trust God more in seasons of turbulence or uncertainty?
As you move into 2025, what “destination” do you feel God is calling you to, and how can you take a step of faith toward it?
How can you celebrate the fact that you’ve made it this far, despite the challenges?
Pray this Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for guiding me through the turbulence of this year. Even in the delays, frustrations, and unexpected challenges, you’ve been with me every step of the way. Help me to trust you when the path ahead feels uncertain and to remember that you are the ultimate pilot of my life. Give me the strength to persevere, the faith to hold on, and the grace to see your hand in every situation. As I look forward to a new year, fill me with hope, confidence, and peace, knowing that you will lead me safely to my destination.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank You
As 2024 comes to a close, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts, and for allowing me to share pieces of my heart with you this year. Your support, encouragement, and connection mean so much.
I hope that something I’ve written has inspired you, encouraged you, or simply reminded you that you’re not alone.
I’m looking forward to writing more in 2025. I can’t wait to continue sharing, learning, and growing together.
Until then, I pray you end this year with peace, gratitude, and joy, and that 2025 brings you closer to everything you’ve been praying for.
With grace and glory,
Ashtyn 🤍
