Reflections from Fall, 2007, when I spent 7 weeks in the States.
The flight attendant announced while we were waiting at the gate that the electrical system on the plane seemed to have malfunctioned and that there would be no music, no movies, nothing on the long flight over the ocean. She told us to get to know our seatmate and buy something to read.
I have loved this silent flight. No announcements from the captain, no TV screens flickering, no bells making noise. I don’t know why. It has been so nice and simple, I guess. Not that I slept. I have been too high on adrenaline these past weeks to sleep. I suppose when I finally get to my bed and collapse, I will sink into a wonderful slumber. This is what I hope and pray.
But a silent flight is just a glimpse at what could be if we could turn off technology and progress for a little while. Oh, it must move forward and for many things, this is good. But still, I long for simplicity and appreciation and recognition that what we have is enough, much more than enough. It is hard to live in America and not consume. Very hard.
In Lyon, I can be at home and be satisfied. In America, everything reaches out and tempts me to buy it—the junk food, the clothes, the music, everything, and none of it is needed.
I am so happy to be going home.
As always, I am thankful too for the time in the States. Almost seven weeks and once again, even as I preach simplicity to myself, I have crammed every waking hour with activity. I have once again been squeezed out in every possible way.
I hope and pray it was for worthwhile things, Lord. You know that. You have taken me on a trip back into myself. I have visited so many, many places and people that were part of my past.
Yesterday was the culmination—the first time I went to the ring and watched Mom riding Greta. Then I too climbed aboard this mare and I was transported back to the days of my youth with the deep blue sky and the rustling leaves, red and yellow and orange, dancing around the ring and the smell of horse and leather as my legs gripped the saddle. Riding.
Westminster and Vanderbilt and Lookout Mountain and Columbia and friends in training at International Teams headquarters in Chicago and teammates from France and much more—it has all been here to mix with family in Kentucky and Atlanta. Mix and stir around and around, my head is swimming. It is how I like it, I suppose, the intermingling with so many friends and family.
I take it with a huge gulp of thankfulness and ask You to remind me again and again of Your provision, in every situation. And when I am cramming and controlling on my own, without You, will You please take away the technology, the things of life, and let me soar with You again on one more silent flight?
Have you ever been on a silent flight? How did you like it?
Elizabeth Musser 
Oh Elizabeth – so true. And I don’t have that home in Lyons!! But it sounds a bit like heaven. The only thing I can compare it to is going to Uganda about 4 years ago and thinking how much happier we would be not having the technology. In some ways those poverty stricken people were the happiest ones on earth. Taught me a valuable lesson and your post reminded me of that. So glad you had a good visit back home … and so glad you are home again. God bless ❤️
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Thanks, Kathy! Actually, I’m still in the US. I wrote that post way back in 2007. But it is still true in so many ways!
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I wish I had had the same attitude as you on my silent flight. I was fidgety and bored even though I had a book to read and knitting to do. You are right on target when you talk about how many “things” Americans think they need. My daughter lives in Paris and everytime I visit I think how spoiled and lazy we Americans are in comparison. On my visit to her this past summer, we walked a total of 44 miles in 12 days! That would never happen in America. Thank you for your thoughtful musings sent each week. I read them all and soak them up like a sponge.
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Thank YOU, Kathy!
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Living in the United States has tremendous challenges that you have identified well. Retreats with the Lord on my own are one way I reclaim silence and solitude to regain His perspective away from the noise of this world!
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Reclaiming silence and solitude. Amen, Mary Beth!
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Sweet sharing…so beautifully written- a glimpse of your time here- I had wondered how it all went for you. Convicting words about the pull towards materialism here- thanks for the reminder. He is suffficient.❤️
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Thank you, Keith! Would love to see you when I speak at Cornerstone in January. Blessings on you and Kenny!
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Good morning Elizabeth! I loved reading about the silent flight on my cell phone! Lol. Technology can be great if used in tandem with silence! Speaking of being busy when you come to the US, would you have a chance to schedule a book signing in Columbus? We would love to host you ! Just let me know your schedule and we will work around it!
Thanks, Cheryl Tate Independent Beauty Consultant Mary Kay Cosmetics http://www.marykay.com/cheryltate 706-326-4955
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Beautifully descriptive of the benefits of taking time to be still and silent as well as the energizing times of mingling with friends and family. A powerful piece, dear Elizabeth!
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