Into
The Wind
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when
you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of
your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3
Several different models of planes sat
on the launch deck of the USS Nimitz awaiting their
turn to take off. There were A-10A Thunderbolts (Warthogs), F-14A
Tomcats, and F/A-18A Hornets waiting
for their turn at the catapult. Each had their mission orders and was
ready to complete their sortie; they had trained for moments such as
this.
Having received the order to launch
operation, ‘No Fly’, Admiral Houser watched as the Helmsman
carried out his order to turn the Nimitz into the
wind and bring her to thirty-five knots.
Within minutes the floating
runway’s wind detector signaled the first part of the maneuver had
been completed. A mere one minute later ‘launch speed’ had been
achieved and war planes began leaving the ship. In all, some fifty
planes took flight on their way to accomplish their dangerous
missions as the flight deck hummed with activity. Not one aircraft
failed to take to the air for lack of sufficient headwind.
Some six hours later, having
successfully completed their mission, a victorious group of fighter
pilots returned to the deck of the USS Nimitz.
†
All major airports have multiple
runways laid out in differing geographical directions so that the
wind can be taken advantage of. Even small-craft airports with grass
runways have windsocks to show wind direction. Why? Because a
headwind makes it easier to launch an airplane into the sky. This
same principle can work in our lives as well.
By facing the hardships in life instead
of turning from them in frustration and defeat we can use each event
to rise above the challenge it presents. Is it easy? No…facing
adversity never is. Is it worth the effort? Yes…the view from above
gives us better perspective and a brighter outlook. Is this always
possible? Yes…but it’s a choice we must make with each ordeal
that comes our way.
If you run with the wind you’ll never
leave the ground. Want a lift? Turn around, into life's headwinds.
Prayer
“Lord, give me the
strength to face my problems head-on. Teach me to use each trial to
rise above the natural tendency to whine, quit, or admit defeat. In
Jesus’ Name, amen.”
No comments:
Post a Comment