Fly

The first time I flew on a commercial airplane was our honeymoon.  Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect.  Luckily my new groom knew the ropes a lot better, and I just followed his lead.  I was a little unnerved when there was, what I considered, turbulence while flying.  Again, my husband didn’t seem concerned and assured me that this was normal.  Now, after many years of flight travel, I really enjoy, and look forward to flying (except for the chaos at the airports).  One thing, from listening to others, is the anxiety many experience during both takeoff and landing.  Call me crazy, but I love the thrill of landing.  Maybe it’s the fact of being relieved that the wheels have touched the runway and landed safely.  However, I also love the thrill of the takeoff.   As the plane taxis down the runway, gradually picking up speed, it shifts into high gear and this gentle giant gracefully and magically lifts off the ground.  It still amazes me that this piece of machinery can make its way to fly high up above the clouds.  With the assistance of skilled pilots, crew and airport tower support, we are able to fly, by putting our trust in the experts.  So it is when we choose to trust and follow Jesus.  Like the wings of an eagle, Jesus lifts us high above all the chaos of life and promises to take on our heavy load.  And, just like a plane that seems to effortlessly rise above the clouds, carrying all our weight, so does Jesus tell us to take our yoke and place it upon Him.  What concerns, worries or guilt do you feel weighted down by today?  I still have a hard time allowing Jesus to carry all these items that I’ve so “thoughtfully” packed on my back.  How many times do we forget these things only weigh us down, leaving us stuck on the ground?  But His way is always better.  It may not happen in our timeframe, but along the way I’ve come to learn lessons from those days of worry.  Other blessings have come because I’ve changed courses due to roadblocks.  I pray that your flight through this new year will be a smooth ride, but when turbulence presents itself, remember Jesus is our flight pilot and will always get us home safely.

“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