This past Christmas, my daughter and future son-in-law gave me the gift of an introductory airplane lesson and flight. I've wanted to pilot a plane since I was a teenager, so I was very excited about it. In preparation for this experience, I watched some online flight lesson videos and discovered there is a lot to consider before a flight (and this was just what I saw online, which is a small part of reality), such as: physical plane integrity, instrument function, fuel & oil, weather & wind, wind direction, documentation, and very specific communication.
Taking flight in a plane is like relating to/interacting with people. If the plane is broken or even weakened in one area, it cannot be safely flown, but must be repaired. With people, if we are broken or weak because of damage or wear, we usually ignore or hide it, and then are not safely/effectively 'flying.'
With a plane, if the weather is stormy the plane cannot be flown or it could crash. With people, when we are in the midst of a storm, we typically try to continue flying and wonder why we crash. There are times when we need to ground ourselves... not just sit, but re-ground ourselves in God.
When flying a plane, communication between the pilot and control tower is specific and clear. If communication between people were consistently specific and clear we would avoid a lot of collisions.
To fly, the plane must take off into the wind. With people, we are prone to run from the wind because of fear. But, if we face our fears and trust God, He will bring us to new heights. We will fly!
