Breathe Normally

Years ago, Peter, Paul and Mary sang a song that said, “I’m leaving on a jet plane.” This morning I left on a jet plane and flew toward the Emerald Coast for a week of sand, sea, surf and, hopefully, sunshine. The phenomenon of flying never wanes for me, and the views above God’s earth never grow old.

For the most part, the flight was typical and lovely. A little turbulence here and there, but mostly smooth. However, a few moments after the captain announced our descent into Pensacola, thick gray clouds surrounded the plane, and a mist of water hit my window. In the distance, I saw a bolt of lightning and then another bolt. The plane began shaking violently, and everything that could rattle was rattling. More than once, fellow passengers (including the young man beside me who had slept the entire time) joined me in loud gasps as extreme changes in cabin pressure almost lifted us out of our seats. Just as I was asking God to receive my spirit if this was the end for me, the captain came over the intercom. “Ladies and gentlemen, to keep you informed, there is a thunderstorm directly over the airport.” He went on to say that our safety was of utmost concern, and our arrival would be delayed to give the storm time to move. A collective sigh of relief went up from the passengers, and within a few moments, the plane began ascending, the guy beside me went back to sleep, and we flew who-knows-where for another 20 minutes or so. The tires hitting the tarmac was a welcomed sound, indeed.

Flying presents many life lessons, but I won’t expound on all of them at this time—lucky you. An obvious one for me today is: When life sends you turbulence and storms, and the ground is nowhere in sight, and there isn’t a thing you can do about it, trust the Captain and breathe normally. He knows how much you can bear. Strength is renewed in waiting. The storm will surely pass.

Happy Sunday, Happy Father’s Day and Happy 10th birthday to my precious Audrey. Until we meet again, dear friends, God is with you in your storm. Trust him and breathe normally.