Flying is one activity that I both love and hate. I love being able to get to my destination hours and hours earlier than if I drive, but hate the feeling of not being in control. It can be particularly alarming when we go through turbulence that suddenly drops the plane and causes my stomach to do summersaults.
As I write this, I am sitting next to the window as the airplane makes its way through the heavens. There is nothing like being in an airplane high above the earth and totally suspended in the air. Looking out the window and observing the heavens and the earth below only amplifies the fact that I have no control over my life.
Carl also has no control over his own life. This was clear to him when I dropped him off at the neighbor’s house before going to the airport. He gave me a pitiful look as I turned to leave but I know this is where he belongs when we are away. It is clear that he enjoys being with this family but he definitely prefers his own home and the freedom of going and coming as he pleases.
In Psalm 37, the statement “Do not fret.” is repeated three times. I believe these words are meant for me as my thoughts tend to think about the fact that I am flying thousands of feet above the earth with no control over the situation. I strive to reign my thoughts back to the fact that flying has been proven to be safer than driving. But when I am driving I am in control. In an airplane my life is in the hands of a person that I have never laid my eyes on.
These moments cause my thoughts to turn into prayers and God becomes more than just a supernatural friend. His realness is heightened and my words become much more sincere when I ask Him to land the plane safely. It also convicts me of the fact that I don’t spend enough time in prayer and meditation of His word when I am safely on the ground.
As the plane makes its bumpy landing and comes to a halt at the gate, I instinctively turn to God and thank Him for being in control. As for Carl, his time away will hopefully cause him to appreciate his own home and realize that just like God loves us, we love him. Even when he wants to act like he is in charge.