My concert was Sunday night at the lovely First Baptist in Rainesville, Alabama. The city sits atop Sand Mountain – a quaint, little town of 5,000 with a Mayberry feel. John was flying Kay and me to the Isbell airport, where we would be met by Keith Beatty – a longtime friend and fantastic musician.

When we were ready to depart KBUY (Burlington, NC), John had a little “talk” with us. He explained that we were planning to fly non-stop and that the airplane does not have bathroom facilities. Smiling, he suggested that we revisit the fixed base operation there at Burlington and keep our beverage intake to a minimum, as our flight would last about three hours. We happily agreed, as landings are time consuming and inconvenient.

We settled in for the flight. John thanked us for our understanding, we hit the runway and lifted off.

The flight was amazing. We soared over the beautiful trees and landscapes of North Carolina; we flew above the Great Smokey Mountains – up close and personal; we moved along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains; we crossed the friendly Chattanooga River, working our way above and below clouds, marveling at the Genesis firmaments. It was a perfect day for flying and the cabin was occupied by a threesome that understood we were staring at God’s handiwork.

When we were about 45 minutes outside of Isbell, it happened. John calmly announced, “Janet, I don’t think I can make it.” Now, when you are thousands of feet in the air and there is only one person onboard who is capable of landing an airplane, the last thing you want to hear is that THEY are having a problem. Kay and I both looked at him hoping for an indication that he was joking. After laying the groundwork for a perfect flight and making sure that we planned for an arid nonstop, John had to go to the bathroom! However much grief you can imagine we gave him, believe me, we gave him more. Suddenly he was looking for a small airport and, fortunately for us, we were at the tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He set a heading for Blairsville, GA.

John flew through the valleys of the mountains, reminding us both of a Bond movie. We
crossed a small ridge, aligned with a perfect mountain valley, and lined up with the runway. It was magical! A little airport in the middle of the mountainous borders. There was an old model pickup truck in the parking lot and the building was decorated for Christmas. We went to the door, found it unlocked and discovered it was empty. There was a note left for visitors to help themselves to coffee and snacks – all available using the honor system and a converted plastic jug. Kay and I looked for doilies and a communal water jug, certain this was right out of a scene from Mayberry. In a little bit, we departed for Isbell.

When we arrived Isbell, Keith asked if we’d had breakfast? John said he’d had two cups of coffee and a large helping of crow.

We had a wonderful evening with this family of believers, and an instant connection with Pastor David and Roxanne. The Lord is moving on that mountain. As Gloria says, “God always has a people…”

We love you all and wish you a Very Merry Christmas!