When the World Falls Apart

Embrace the unknown and trust that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Recently, I set out on a long-awaited journey to Japan. My plans were solid: I would meet a friend during my layover in Qatar, and together we’d board the flight to Tokyo. But, like any good adventure, the universe had different plans. Just as the plane approached Qatar, an unexpected announcement reverberated through the cabin: the airspace was closed. We had to turn around and land in Turkey instead.

Exhausted and disoriented after an already grueling eight-hour flight, I searched for answers, but all I found were anxious faces mirroring my confusion. Why had the airspace closed? Would it reopen? Would I be able to leave Turkey? I glanced at my phone, desperate for a signal to reach my friend for support, but there was no connection. Alone in a foreign land, a wave of panic washed over me, gripping my chest and tightening my throat.

After what felt like an eternity of uncertainty, word finally came that we could try again for Qatar. But by the time I arrived, my flight had long departed, and my friend was gone, leaving me stranded in a moment of despair. I joined the long line to rebook my flight, the weight of exhaustion heavy on my shoulders. The atmosphere was charged with tension; people pushed and elbowed each other, desperate to cut ahead. Water bottles were hoarded, disregarding the needs of those behind in line.

In front of me was a Chinese family shamelessly cutting in line. It infuriated me and ignited a disgust for humanity. How can people be so selfish? A part of me wanted to get ahead of them to ensure they didn’t “win” this chaotic game of line cutting, but what would that say about me? I felt overwhelmed by the chaos, yearning for a quiet corner of the airport where I could gather my thoughts.

Then it struck me: I am in control of my own life. Why am I allowing this situation to make me feel like a victim? I can change my perspective. Easier said than done! It took several hours of self-talk and deep breathing to shift my mindset. Just as I began to embrace this new outlook, the line started moving faster, and my phone miraculously connected.

I also found myself looking at the family differently. Instead of anger, I began to see their behavior as silly, even funny. They darted between queues, calling each other over whenever one line moved faster, creating ripples of exasperation among fellow travelers. It reminded me of those comic villains that one can’t help but feel a bit sorry for. Ironically, their constant line-switching led to a mix-up, and the staff misplaced their passports, leaving them stranded. Because of the language barrier they had to seek help from the very people they’d been cutting in front of—a poignant reminder that life often serves its own brand of justice. It’s not our place to judge; ultimately, everyone receives what they put out into the world.

Finally, I was rebooked on a new flight to Tokyo and whisked off to a five-star hotel where I could finally rest before my flight. To my surprise, my time at the hotel coincided perfectly with a solar eclipse. Although the eclipse wasn’t visible in Qatar, it felt like a magical coincidence. It gave me a chance to meditate and set intentions for my journey ahead. Sitting alone in that hotel room, an overwhelming sense of peace washed over me.

Had I taken my original flight, I would have missed the timing of being by myself in that hotel, harnessing the energy of the eclipse. Eclipses are potent time windows, and being alone in that moment allowed me to reflect deeply on my journey and the intentions I wanted to set for what lay ahead. I also realized that even in the midst of chaos, I can find peace and strength within myself.

As I sat in stillness, I recognized that life was also testing my faith. For months, I had been telling myself I trusted life’s plan when things went smoothly, but it’s in moments of chaos that our faith is truly tested. It’s all too easy to spiral into “Why me?” or succumb to panic. However, once I accepted that I was exactly where I needed to be, everything began to shift.

So, dear reader, if you ever find yourself on life’s unexpected detours, remember this: true faith shows itself when everything falls apart. In those moments, instead of allowing fear to take over, try surrendering to the flow of life. Embrace the unknown and trust that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, even if you can’t yet see why.