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Waiting for Sand

Waiting for Sand

I understand the phrase “pounding sand” to be a reference to a futile activity, but “waiting for sand” was a new one to me.

This week, while awaiting takeoff of a small commuter plane, we endured a lengthy and unexpected delay.  Finally the explanation was given.

The plane was “unbalanced” and we were light in the tail section.  To correct this they needed to add weight in the back and we’re waiting for bags of sand to be delivered and loaded onto the plane.

Now if this weight imbalance was a safety issue, then I welcome the delay.  However, if this was done merely to make the plane fly more aerodynamically in order to save fuel, then I’m a bit miffed.

Because of this delay, I missed my connecting flight, as I’m sure was the case with many of my fellow travelers who had even tighter connections then me.

As a result, I understand “waiting for sand” to mean a needless and unwarranted delay.

“Waiting for sand,” seems to be the norm in the airline industry.

Do you like this post? Want to read more? Check out Peter’s book, Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide: Discovering the Spirituality of Every Day Life, available wherever books are sold.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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