It is already a while ago that I was stranded in Malta for a week because of the Icelandic volcano ash. The whole situation threw thousands and thousands of people into confusion, exhaustion and even despair. In some ways, was no exception. Feelings went up and down for the whole time I was waiting to return home.

Thinking back, there are a few very valuable lessons I learnt from this situation and I thank God for it:

1. Be ready

I said goodbye to the family I was staying with several times before I finally left for good. Every time I went to the airport I took my suitcase with me, just in case, even though I knew that the chances of departure were slim.

We have to be ready, always ready. Because we never know. It reminded me again and again of the reality that the Lord is coming back and... we need to be ready, " for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2

2. Pack lightly

I was planning to be in Malta for 2 full days and therefore I packed "lightly". It also saved me some money from the extra costs of what they call "low-cost" airlines.

On the first hand, if we pack lightly we make sure we pack what is important and not the superfluous . On the other hand it allows us to be ready quicker. "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1).

3. Enjoy the unexpected

I think this was the hardest lesson to learn. I had a specific plan in my visit to Malta and I had accomplish it. I therefore had to go home. Staying was not an option, it was not part of the plan.

And yet by being open to the unexpected we are then opened to new opportunities, new surprises, new joys, new experiences, new gifts. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11).

4. God is always in control and is more powerful than men

I think what fascinated me the most was to hear the most unbelievable stories of what people were doing in order to reach their destinations as I followed the news or I heard people in the airport. Some paid fortunes for a taxi to drive them home. Some flew somewhere else and then attempted to reach home by any transport available. I even heard of somebody who bought a car and then resold it as he got to his destination. Unbelievable! Crazy! People trying to find solutions to the impossible. People trying to challenge a volcano. In short, people trying to defy God.

God never lost control of the situation. He knew what was going on. He is always sovereign. This gives us profound peace although we may have to battle with our hearts on several occasions. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?"(Job 38:4)

Questions to ponder

- Have you being "stranded"? What were the feelings? Can you relate with some of things above?

- How can you make the most of every circumstance?

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