Years ago, a friend told me a story about the most frightening, yet thought-provoking experience of his life. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over the country and around the world, but one particular flight had completely changed his perspective on life.
He told of an experience that he’d had on one particular flight. A severe rain storm had seized the plane and caused fear to overcome his otherwise rational thinking. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten your seat belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving beverages at this time as we are expecting turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
He explained that as he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the attendant said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. There are turbulence still ahead."
The storm broke and ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies and within moments that large plane was like a cork being tossed about on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on the unforgiving currents of air and the next, it plummeted through the air.
The man confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him and he said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed and some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it safely through the storm.
Then, he suddenly noticed a little girl sitting across the isle and it was clear the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on the seat; she was reading a book and every thing within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again or straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world: not when the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, or as it rose and fell with alarming severity. When all the adults were frightened beyond words, that marvelous innocent child was completely composed and unafraid.
It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, the man lingered to speak to the young girl whom he had watched with amazement. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.
The sweet child replied, "Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home."
There are many kinds of storms that buffet us: physical, mental, financial and domestic. There are storms that can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our lives into an apparent uncontrollable frenzy. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about in the darkness.
During the trials and difficulties of life, let us always remember to have faith in our Heavenly Father, who is the Pilot, and in the Lord, who is at the controls, for they are taking us safely home. LindaSumnerUrza for: onefineday11.blogspot.com
