Of Layovers, Delays & Detours — When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan

You know that sigh you let out when you hear the announcement:
“Ladies and gentlemen, your flight has been delayed…”
Or worse: “We’re being rerouted due to weather.”

Nobody claps. Nobody celebrates. Because we love control. We love certainty. We want smooth, predictable journeys from A to B. But life — like air travel — is rarely that neat.

Sometimes you’re stuck on the runway.
Sometimes you’re circling above your destination, but can’t land.
Other times, you’re sent to a completely different city and told to wait.

And just like that, you’re reminded…

✧ Lesson 1: Delays Aren’t Denials

Just because you’re not there yet doesn’t mean you won’t get there. A delay might actually be a divine stall — a space created to protect you, prepare you, or reposition you.

There have been times I’ve cried over a door that wouldn’t open … only to find out later it was saving me from a bigger disappointment. Not all delays are setbacks. Some are set-ups.

✧ Lesson 2: Detours Can Be Deliveries in Disguise

Layovers can be inconvenient. Detours can be confusing. But some of the most meaningful connections, ideas, or revelations happen while you’re off your intended path.

That person you meet in the airport lounge.
That quiet hour when you’re finally forced to sit and think.
That unexpected city that becomes the birthplace of your next chapter.

God doesn’t waste detours. You might be going the long way around—but you’re still going forward.

Remember in Part 1 that I was told to pay a different amount, than the kiosk, for my oversized luggage. By the time we were done with the back-and-forth dialogue, the agent told me that I won’t be able to catch my flight. That was another shocker. I arrived in good time why can’t I be onboard that flight?!

Step Back, Baby!

However, I was tired to even contend this new development. So, I asked: “how much would I have to pay again for that and what would my ETA be?”

The lady responded: “you don’t have to pay any extra; your ticket allows a no-fee change and ETA will still be the same time. You only have to wait two-and-a-half hours before the next flight.”

“I can do that, go ahead and change it,” I answered.

The new flight was a direct flight compared to my previous one which had a two hour layover and I’ll have to change planes. I used the time to repack my bags, took out some items and had them as carry-on reducing each bag to within the acceptable weight. I ended up paying $80 that the kiosk had stated. But, the carryons were a bit heavy. Would have been more tiring carrying them around to change planes.

“All things work together for the good …,” (Romans 8:28a). Most times all we need is to take a deep breath and step back. Everything always works out.

✧ Lesson 3: The Journey is Teaching You, Not Just Transporting You

When you’re in the air, you’re not just moving through time zones — you’re being moved internally too. You’re learning how to wait. How to adapt. How to sit with uncertainty and still stay hopeful.

These in-between moments shape us more than we realize.

You may not be able to speed things up, but you can slow yourself down enough to notice what’s happening inside of you during the delay.

Final Reflection

You don’t always need to fight the pause.
Sometimes, the pause is on purpose.

So whether you’re circling, rerouted, or grounded for a little while — breathe. You’re still in the air. You’re still en route. And you’re not flying alone.

Remember, the detour might be the destination blessings in disguise.

How about You

How do you handle travel or flight delays and detours? Are you one to stay calm and trust God, or do you get all wound up stressing over the situation? Let’s hear your thoughts in the Comments,