The Pilot

[walksbyf8h]

Author Unknown

Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life.

He had been on a long flight from one place to another. 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 the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the pa ssengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her! She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly.

Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid. The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane spinning out of control. 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 a darkened sky.


Just remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control. He is taking us home!

[Chris]

Ah, that was wonderful walks. Thank you for sharing that. :) 2:

[Kathe]

Oh wow - that was awesome and went right along with my bible study today. Thanks for sharing. Kathe

[Ruth]

I have tears in my eyes. I love it! Thank you.

I have a short, but similar story from my own life. When I was about 12, my grandfather - whom I loved dearly - wanted to show me the new 30 acres of land that he had just purchased, from the air.

We went up in a 4 passenger plane. I had a great time and it was my very first plane ride.

Years later when he was dieing, he wanted to know something. He asked me why I had not been frightened that day on the plane when the engines had stopped. I was shocked. I had no idea the engines had stopped working I just thought it was wonderfully and finally quiet enough for me to tell him thank you for the wonderful treat and for showing me his treasure from the air.

In fact - because I was with him - nothing frightened me. I knew I was safe in his care.

The very day my daughter was born I called to tell them all about her. My grandmother went back and forth between his bed and the phone (no cordless phones back then) and she relayed all the answers to his questions about us to him.

My husband came in later that day and closed the door. I knew it was about my grandfather. He told me that as soon as I had hung up the phone, he had told my grandmother to take him to the hospital - that it was time now. He died an hour later.

He had stayed alive long enough to be sure my latest journey was safely prayed over and then he went home.

[walksbyf8h]

Now I'm crying. That was beautiful, Ruth. What a rich legacy your grandfather left. Praise G-D for all of the Grandpa's out there.

[Ruth]

Now I'm crying. That was beautiful, Ruth. What a rich legacy your grandfather left. Praise G-D for all of the Grandpa's out there.

I was crying so hard (good cry) by the time I finished typing that story - my sister just happened to call and she thought something terrible had happened. I told her about this thread and what I had just shared and that it was just good tears from the memory of his love.

Her and I had a great time just now reminiscing about him.
Yes - Praise Him for all the wonderful grandpa's out there who have shown us wisdom and love.

Every year on my daughter's birthday I would always noticed the tears in my Grandmother's eyes in the bitter sweetness of the day. Celebrating one life while having had to say good by to another.

I am happy to report that on 03-03-03 she went to be with him and they are together now waiting for the rest of us.

You guys all get to meet them - you are going to love them too!

[LivnForChrist]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing Walks and Ruth.

[homeward bound]

This week has been hectic at church. Not bad stuff, just too much
stuff.....setting up website, writing articles to turn in for church newletter, preparing to teach on SUnday, visiting families, and the list goes on. Your post helped me to realize that in all that is going on around me, my Father is in control. I need to not get lost in the "stuff" but keep my eyes on Him and give Him control instead of trying to control it myself!