Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Still in the Flight Plans

google picture
Once, in a home school convention, I heard this story that has stuck with me through different seasons of life.

When a pilot charts his flight, he knows from where he is leaving and the final destination.  He is never worried if he gets off course through the flight.  It is rare for him to go from one point to another in a straight line. However, he still arrives at his final destination, even after course adjustments.  He might have to descend or rise to move through storms.  This allows the passengers a more comfortable ride, reducing turbulence.  He might even detour off the course to the far left or right in order to miss an oncoming storm or other planes.

The passengers never see these adjustments...most of the time they just ride in comfort.  If there is turbulence, they fasten their seat belts, put their trays up and prepare for the bumpy ride. Some may expel anxious stomachs in a bag, but overall, the change of course during the journey doesn't change the final destination.


The passengers are in the hands of the pilot.Some courageous hero pilots like Chesley Sullenberger III, who landed a plane into New York's Hudson River in order for the passengers to survive, might go off-destination for the ultimate good of the passengers.
google picture - clear blue skies!
If I am a Christian, and I am, then I know the one who is the pilot of my life journey. He knows the final destination and the arrival time.  My responsibility is to let Him do His job....not to storm the cockpit.  I might need to grab a bag at times, due to my own lack of trust, but I can also learn to enjoy the journey.  My pilot has my best interest in mind.  I will arrive on time at my final destination.

The anxiety of any flight is always relieved when the plane comes to a complete stop on the ground.  I never ask the pilot about the adjustments he had to make. Instead, I thank him for a job well done.

I think that is a word for me.  Thank you, Lord, for the job you are doing in my life.  I release my flight plan into your hands and take my first-class seat, which you purchased  for me on the cross, so I can  enjoy the journey. (another preaching-to-myself post)  I hope you are enjoying your ride, even through the course changes.
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29 comments:

  1. CanadagirlJuly 13, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    I loved this! I have to ask are you going to keep hs youngest your son? Thank you for encouraging me today. I needed it this summer. ((HUGS))

    Blessings and ((HUGS))
    -Mary

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  2. CindyJuly 13, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    This is such a good reminder for control freaks like me! lol

    How are you doing with settling into your new house? Praying for the adjustment to go smoothly. And for good neighbors.

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  3. Farm GirlJuly 13, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Well spoken and I take lots of comfort from it today. Thanks

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  4. ShandaJuly 13, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    This is a great reminder of how we can release our flight and flight plans to the Lord. Too often, I want to be the pilot, or I want to sit up front with him to know what is going on.

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  5. VeeJuly 13, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Janette, that was wonderful. I can see why you've remembered it through the years. Thank you for sharing it that some of us may remember it, too. We are not in control; we just know the One Who is.

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  6. camp and cottage livingJuly 13, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I think this is a word for me also!
    Life is changing it seems without my planning at all. Sometimes circumstances are just dropped in your lap and that is when you have to trust.
    Thanks so much for sharing this story! I appreciated it!

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  7. DebbieJuly 13, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    What a wonderful anaolgy this is. I might ask myself WHY, when it would NEVER occur to me to ask an airline pilot if I might take over, would I want to do it with the Lord either? Just as crazy...I do need to just sit back and enjoy the ride, TRUSTING He is in control. This was soo good! Hugs, Debbie

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  8. UnknownJuly 13, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Beautiful dear friend! I too often try to take the wheel-not letting God be the one to do the driving! I tend to be a little of control freak and so I often have to stop and make myself remember this!! Hope your unpacking and moving in is going well.
    Glad your towels are still making you smile.
    Have a great day!
    Love ya
    Jill

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  9. SallyJuly 13, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I like the comparison here, and Debbie's comment about not taking the controls from a pilot. I would never WANT to do that, I expect the pilot to know what he is doing why don't I give God the same respect? I'll store this in a good place to bring out when next I try to take over the controls. Blessings.

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  10. Kim@Seasons of My HeartJuly 13, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    What a great...great...reminder my dear friend.

    Thanks for encouraging my heart and soul today.

    Blessings.

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  11. TheresaJuly 13, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    You write such great posts! A great reminder that we are in the hands of our awesome God who knows better than we ever could.

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  12. no spring chickenJuly 13, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Again, beautifully said Janette, I fear we too often want to storm the cockpit! God grant us grace...

    Blessings, Debbie

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  13. A multi-dimensional lifeJuly 13, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Dear friend, we are on the same wavelength again! I love this post.
    I've been known to expel my anxious tummy on occasion (not good with rides) yet with God as the pilot, there is nothing to fear and we will arrive at the exact time He has appointed for us!

    I hope you are settling in and enjoying your new home. :)

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  14. SandyJuly 13, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Lots of course changes going
    on around here and I am trying
    to relax and enjoy the ride.
    Wonderful advice to leave it
    all in His very loving and
    capable hands.
    Hope all is going well at your
    new place. Have fun decorating.
    Hugs,
    Sandy

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  15. NancyJuly 13, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Oh did I need to hear this today.....I think I tried to take the controls just today and you have reminded me that is not a safe thing to do.......So Lord I give them back......

    What a wonderful analogy.........Thank you big time....

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  16. http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/July 13, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    oh those controls! Maybe the difference in growing up and older is that you give in quicker, and let the pilot be the pilot. He's never failed us yet and I know He never will.

    Love this Janette... a good reminder.

    xo

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  17. ChristineJuly 13, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    Ohhhhh....this is GOOD!

    (How's that meal on your first class flight?)

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  18. Cecilia Marie PulliamJuly 13, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    We do like to be in control, don't we? It is hard to let go and let Someone Else steer. However, as you stated so eloquently, it is in our best interest to just follow along and enjoy the scenery.

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  19. TannaJuly 13, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Amen, Janette. Amen. blessings ~ Tanna

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  20. DebbieJuly 13, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    "My responsibility is to let Him do His job....not to storm the cockpit."

    What a wonderful way to put it. I'm too prone to storm the cockpit, especially these days. Now, I might do it in the form of prayer, but if I'm really honest, I'm storming that cock pit.

    I really loved this. Your posts always speak to me, whether you're convicting me or making me laugh.

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  21. MaryannJuly 13, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Fantastic, this is a "keeper" (something I will remember) I can't even imagine taking the controls away from the pilot during a flight, yet how often I try to take control over my life. Thanks for this one.

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  22. UnknownJuly 14, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    wow great story..never looked at it that way..but i will now..thanks for sharing.. love ya..have a blessed and great weekend

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  23. CrickitJuly 14, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    I really liked this story. It is so true that we sometimes have to go thru difficult times in order to arrive where God wants us to be! So, glad he is the ONE in control.

    Hope that your move is going well and you are settling in. :)

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  24. LisaJuly 14, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    And don't you love that no matter how off track you get, He can get you back on? He even allows Holy Ghost u-turns! LOL!

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  25. Debbie PetrasJuly 14, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Yes, we must trust the pilot to get us where we're going. I remember being on a turbulent flight. It was scary. But once the pilot was able to ascend to a higher altitude, things got smoother. It reminded me of God. We need to trust Him. He can take to higher places if we but trust Him.

    Love to you Janette,
    Debbie

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  26. Kathleen July 14, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    What a fabulous connection!

    Can you imagine trying to fly a plane with nary a clue as to HOW? But I confess, sometimes I try. In truth, my life is far more relaxed (and airborn) when I trust Him.

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  27. Simple HomeJuly 14, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    A perfect post for me to read today! Thank you so much for sharing this Janette.
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  28. trishAugust 11, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Oh wow. You spoke directly to my heart. Thank you for sharing. :o)
    Sincerely, Trish

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  29. karenJanuary 18, 2012 at 7:45 AM

    Wow! Thank you for the analogy! I just wish that sometimes I would just keep the seatbelt on and enjoy the ride!! ~Karen

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