I Want To Live Above The Clouds

As I  was flying home yesterday from Florida and we were high above the clouds, I was reminded of the last time I flew from that particular airport. My husband and I had gone to visit his father and we were leaving Florida to fly home to Michigan.  We took off without incident but shortly after take off the pilot announced that there was a concern about whether the landing gear was up or down. The light in the cockpit indicated that it was still down. He told us we were going to have to fly for 2 hours, circling the airport to burn off fuel and then re land the plane at the same location we just took off from.

It was a silent plane ride for 2 hours.  I know everyone was thinking about the ramifications of what was happening. I will never forget how I felt that day.  Was this the end for us? A plane crash? Was there anything I needed to say to anyone? Was I ready to meet the Lord? Would we, could we survive a plane crash? What would happen to our children? All of these thoughts were swirling through my mind.

My husband asked me one simple question, he said “is there anything you want to say to me?” I thought about it briefly but I told him no. I knew everything I felt in my heart had already been said. I try to be honest with myself about how I feel and express that through my life. I believe the greatest expression of love is in your actions day after day. Words are cheap and may be too easily expressed but proving your love by your actions takes real devotion and literal work!

As the 2 hours came to an end we flew over the airport tower so the pilot could give the controller a birds eye view of the landing gear. There was a very sober atmosphere on the plane. As we gazed down at the runway we could see all the fire trucks and ambulances lined up, ready to assist in the oncoming potential disaster.

We circled one final time and began the final descent. I closed my eyes and silently prayed for God’s will as the plane descended toward the tarmac. When those wheels touched down very smoothly and the plane headed for the gate there was a collective cheer from all the passengers.  I believe everyone on that plane that day was forced to face some very heart wrenching thoughts.

I will always remember that sobering experience. It has made we want to live above the clouds. Clouds  of sorrow and disappointment. Clouds of frustration and pain. Those clouds will always be there but with those clouds come rain. The rain brings blessings from God. Most importantly those clouds are only a smokescreen of the lovely sunshine that is hovering just above. They may block the sun temporarily but like our trials those clouds will dissipate. That saying “this too shall pass” reminds me of those passing clouds.

I want to live my life above the clouds where the sun is shining and bringing forth life giving energy to face the oncoming storms.  It renews our strength to press through another cloud of heartache to bask in the sunshine of His presence.