In May 2017, I had the chance to visit the Basilica of San Francisco in Assisi, Italy with my mom and little brother. It was the first (and last) big trip I took as a flight attendant, as it revealed to me that God has called me for “something more” in my secondary vocation.
Nevertheless, seeing the town where San Francisco and Santa Clara trod was such a breathtaking and peaceful experience, that it completely overshadowed any trials experienced throughout the past months flying.
When the trip culminated and I had to go back to my home base in Miami, I had time (reserve days) to reflect upon everything I saw in Italy. Series after series of events took place within these days, that allowed my heart and mind to be transformed and open to the plans God has for me.
I began to see things in a new light and soon found myself taking a break from my current position, leasing my apartment in Miami to someone else, moving back to Pennsylvania, and being fully invested in a Masters of Business Administration program at a university!
Talk about hustling!
When it came time to hand back my luggage, equipment and uniforms, however, there was one item I had a hard time parting with… and that was my red bag! Every flight attendant can attest to how excited we were to first find that little brown box on our doorstep and remove from its contents a shiny, new, red leather tote. Handing it back felt like a piercing thorn to the heart.
But, because I am a person of faith, I didn’t let it bother me for too long and resolved to find a replacement. What I found was ironic. A black, leather, bad-as* chic, tote with skulls and golden chains. It was simply magnificent! And it seemed to encompass a subconscious feeling of “death” to the world I had been living in: a selfish world filled with vanity and “I can do this on my own”… so I bought it. 😊😊😊
Somehow through more series of events, I found myself at 2:58 am, laying in bed, reading blogs, perusing newsfeed, liking things, disliking things, completely overthinking… when I stumbled upon a blog post on why San Francisco is portrayed carrying a skull in many artworks. It was so intriguing! So captivating! It gave new meaning to the reason why I will carry my skull bag this summer with no hesitation. Not only will my bag symbolize death to my previous lifestyle (as a diehard corporate employee), it will also serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life itself: that death should be embraced because it is what will take us to heaven with God someday.
Here is a link to the article I read about San Francisco and why he carried a skull with him on occasion. It is written by a very talented blogger.
For all readers, my prayers go out to you. Please let this be an awakening that life is short and we need to seek and serve God in all endeavors.
Xo, V.
Tea With V 