Flying Lessons – part 3

Well, I made it back home after spending a week in Memphis. It is funny how God can use little things to teach us….when we are sensitive enough to listen.

I was flying back from Memphis to Chicago when the plane hit a lot of turbulence. It was then that I realized I would not make a good flight attendant. I think United Airlines frowns on their attendants screaming, “Oh my goodness!!!!” when turbulence shakes the plane. Although I didn’t scream, I did catch my breath and hold on to the arm rest. The turbulence made me more than a little uneasy.

It made me think…..my flight going down to Memphis was so smooth. Hardly any bumps or dips. But this flight was a totally different experience.

Life is like that…..one day it is smooth, the next day your holding on for dear life just trying to land on your feet. But you know, in all the turbulence the pilot never abandoned the plane. He didn’t feel the first shake of the plane and think, “That’s it, JUMP!” No, he rode it out, knowing that there was going to be smoother skies ahead, or better yet, rising above the choppy air to find smoother skies.

Does the turbulence of life make you wanna strap on a parachute and shout, “Geronimo!” Aren’t we all searching for smooth flights through life….not wanting to experience any bumps along the way? The truth is that there is trouble, struggles, disappointments, etc. But we can’t abandon the course just because it isn’t always easy.

In fact, when we choose to keep our eye on the prize, we can receive strength that gives us the power to rise to a higher altitude above the turbulence.

...but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31

Hang on, stay the course….use the flight plan to keep you focused on the course, let the control tower guide you through the clouds and storms to the destination laid before you….