Lessons from Flying

In the past seven months I have taken 17 flights from one destination to another and am tired. I just read a story of a CEO of a company in America who flies 340 days of the year. I would be messed up. However, I got time to reflect during this flight on the things about flying that I enjoy and dread.

I used to wonder how some ladies did it when they entered the plane in heels. Well, today for the first time in my life I flew in heels – ruby red ones and a long dress all made up as if I was on my way to some corporate meeting. I like to think that my student days are over and it’s time to shape up :). It feels really good to wear high shoes again. I like being tall. Am sure someone somewhere wondered how I could do this. She’ll probably be doing it sooner than she thinks! I think that if my shoes are not comfortable for doing all the things I do, then I might as well just get rid of them. These ones have passed the test.

One of the things I enjoy most about flying is taking off. The effect of soaring up so high is amazing. I still marvel at this invention. After takeoff I can’t stand the transition to balance. You know that time when the plane is trying to stabilize and it lowers itself as though it’s going to drop. My heart often drops at this point and it’s not a funny feeling. I like to think it’s like most transitions in life. That finding balance is often one of the most uncomfortable experiences. There is fear, uncertainty and dread. Sometimes it’s as if everything is going to sink down low. But after stability is gained, I enjoy the flight. Well almost until the turbulence. I was recently telling a friend of mine who just cannot get herself to fly that turbulence reminds me to trust in God more than anything. Before you get into a plane you know you can control some things around you. When you get into an airport your life is in the hands of immigration, homeland security and the flight staff. Everything you do is more or less rules that are required for one’s safety and for the flight to go well. When in flight I like to think God becomes the reality. Turbulence reminds me that no matter how much I scream, push my ear plugs in and wimp, there is nothing I can do about the situation but go through it. This is when my trust in God becomes real. I normally say prayers with an attitude I never have anywhere else. I can’t even call it passionate praying. You know the kind of prayers that are heavy laden with fear and fright all in one.

Today, I pulled down my window when the plane was changing direction towards our destination. It almost felt as if we were going to do a somersault thing. I pulled that little window down again when we were slowing down to land and the pilot just kept on slowing at what appeared to be a lake right below the plane.  Of course I had no view of the airport so I just kept imagining us landing on the expanse of water.

The landing is often loud; with tires pulling out of their hiding spot, wings coming up and touching down is no gentle kiss. This I am used to. It’s transitioning to being back on the ground that unnerves me all over again. That time when the plane is slowing down yet speeding at the same time. I guess my mind just starts wondering what would happen if the brakes fail. We will just ram into a highway or some water body or just crash. Transitions are generally uncomfortable and this I know for sure. I was once in an almost plane crash. This is for another time or maybe later when I feel like writing about it. These things put together never scare me from flying. In fact I never think of them until they start to happen.

I am starting to think that relationships in life and flying require the same attitude. When you get together  the hope is to make it work. So you make plans, you make a home and you go for it. I do not know anyone who takes a flight thinking just in case we crash, let me wear these shoes, they’ll help me swim better or walk a long distance if we land in a forest. People often make plans for what will happen when they get to their destination. I must say it’s not only marriage, its life in general. It’s about hope. Hoping that you will wake up and do all you want to do. And so as I enter a new year with so much more travel ahead of me. I am learning to trust that God has my life in his hands. That my hope in Him making my life full of purpose and greatness should be a constant.