Keep Your Eyes on The Captain

A few days ago I wrote about my fear of flying. Little did I know that just a few days later the Lord would have another flying lesson for me. When I last wrote I was between Orlando and Chicago. This time I am between Chicago and Denver, again high above the earth, and yet this flight is a different experience all together.

 

As the plane boarded I took my aisle seat next to a lovely lady. As the crew began their preflight routine I told my seat neighbor that she won the jackpot with the window seat next to her being empty. Just as soon as I said that another pilot (a Captain as it turns out) boarded the plane walked straight back to us and took the window seat. Darn, no jackpot. I jokingly mentioned something about this to the Captain to which he replied "you still won the jackpot, let me know if you have any questions on the flight".

The flight crew continued their routine. We proceeded to taxi to the runway and off we went. Typically the takeoff is the worst for me. It brings tears of fear to my eyes and sweat to my tightly clenched fists. This time however I thought "surely this Captain will know if anything is going wrong". I even told him it was nice to know we had a backup plan. As the plane took off I began my normal fist clenching until I looked at the Captain. He looked amazingly relaxed. No panic whatsoever. In fact, he was dozing in and out of sleep. This immediately calmed my heart. His peace gave me peace. I have never experienced this on a plane!! Let alone on takeoff! 

As I sit here thousands of feet above the earth I occasionally glance at the Captain. Yep, still no panic. We are ok. 

I am reminded that although the Captain has no control of the plane he knows how to fly it. I was just at a conference where I was reminded of the need for mentors in our lives. I texted my husband yesterday that I need to find 2 mentors, one spiritual and one business. I need a couple of Captains in my life. People who I can draw peace from, who know how to land my panic plane! Now accepting resumes, interviews to begin soon. 

It also makes me think of the Captain who is flying the plane. A good captain doesn't panic even in an emergency. Do you remember the Captain who took a bird to the engine and safely landed the plane in the Hudson River? Much like the Lord, He is flying the plane in my life. Things happen, turbulence will come, engines will blow. He is prepared to land the plane without panicking. 

Keep your eyes on The Captain. Draw from His peace. 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking... 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:10, 13 NIV

And... "You still won the jackpot, let me know if you have any questions on the flight"