The Pilot

A friend from my past--I have a lot of past--had a father who was a bush pilot in the Northwest. He told a story about an experience he had with his father that went something like this: On this one occasion his father decided to take his young son with him on one of his trips. As he went to his seat next to his father, he noticed that the plane was really loaded down with "stuff." Really loaded down. As they began to move down the runway, he became acutely aware that th...ey were getting closer and closer to the end of the pavement--and the plane was not taking off. Did Dad know what he was doing? Were they too heavily loaded? But just before they reached the very end of the runway, the plane lifted and all was well--until he looked up and saw the huge bank of electric wires rising in front of the plane. "Maybe we should turn around, Dad," passed through his young mind. But Dad totally unconcerned took the plane over the wires and on to their destination. Later, when he asked his father if he hadn't been worried, the response was simple but revealing: "I had complete control of the plane, son. The situation was under my control the entire time."
I have never experienced such a moment physically--but I think I can identify with such a spiritual journey (or two or three or . . .) that I've been on. I have been down some long "runways" in my life, burdened down with lots of stuff. Doubts and fears and questions about my Father's wisdom have bounced around my mind--and heart. Does the Pilot really know what He's doing? And where is He taking me? At the oldyoung age of 73, I can testify that He has always lifted this old man and his burdens safely off the runway and even over new obstacles that have suddenly risen up before me. Always. So now as I rumble down the newest runway, loaded down with new burdens, I confidently remind myself that the Pilot--my Father--has things completely under His control. Completely. He would not have taken me on this journey--a son that He loves--if He was not confident that we would safely reach the destination He needs to take me to. Yes, we. Headed down the runway? Burdened down? Sudden obstacles rising before you? Trust the Pilot. He's always in complete control. He's not worried one bit. After all, He is your loving Father. And He's an expert at soaring.