Chapter 33
Good Monday Morning to this week 33 of 2024
On Aug. 9, an ATR-72 aircraft from Voepass Airlines, flying from Cascavel to Guarulhos, crashed in a residential area in Vinhedo, north of São Paulo. This is very sad news; there were no survivors. May God comfort the relatives in this terrible tragedy.
Some of the focus has been on 10 others. You might have seen it: 10 passengers missed the flight. Brazilian media reported that Adriano Assis, one of the passengers who arrived at the airport hours before the flight, went to a cafeteria to pass the time. He realized he had missed his flight only after the departure time had passed. “When I rushed to the gate, the staff informed me that the doors had closed an hour earlier. I argued with them, but later, when I heard about the crash, I felt strange emotions. I went back, hugged the official for doing their job well, and apologized.” Additionally, nine other passengers missed the flight because they confused the airline’s name and flight number.
This incident serves as a reminder of how unpredictable life can be and raises many questions.
Being on time is certainly important, especially as Swiss. Actually it’s really hard for me to be late at all. In our culture it reflects diligence, respect for others, and a well-managed life. In the Book of Proverbs, we find the wisdom of planning and foresight:
Proverbs 21:5 (NIV): “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Adriano Assis and the other nine passengers were spared by what some might call fate or divine intervention. It begs the question: what lessons are they meant to learn from this close encounter with mortality?
While punctuality is crucial, life teaches us that it is just one part of the broader picture of existence. We are reminded of the uncertainties and the need to be prepared for the unexpected. The missed flight, in this case, led to the preservation of their lives, offering them a chance to reflect and reassess priorities.
The Bible speaks to the transient nature of life:
James 4:14 (NIV): “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
This verse encourages us to live with humility, knowing that we are not in control of everything. It urges us to make the most of each moment, to act with kindness and compassion, and to seek purpose beyond the mundane.
Philosophically, we can consider the Stoic idea of amor fati, which means “love of fate.” This concept encourages acceptance of whatever happens, recognizing that every event is an opportunity for growth and reflection.
For those who missed the flight, the questions remain: How will they live differently now? Will they value each day more deeply, knowing how close they came to disaster? Can they find gratitude in the mundane moments, realizing that each day is a gift?
These questions prompt us to take a good look at our own lives. While being on time is important, it’s just one of the many things we juggle daily. Are we really focusing on what matters most, or are we just trying to keep up with the clock? Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves: are we prepared to handle life’s unexpected detours with a sense of humor and adaptability?
As we start this new week, let’s consider the value of living each day with intention and not just racing against the clock. Who knows, maybe missing your next flight might lead to an unexpected adventure or two! Embrace the unpredictability of life, and let each moment count—even if it means showing up fashionably late once in a while.
Wishing you a great start to the new week!
Philemon