(Methodist Superintendent Minister)
The Psalmist said,
“I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” (Psalm 55:6)
During my 25 years of ministry I’ve been called many things! One of the more polite ones is ‘Sky pilot’! Apparently, this is a slang term for a member of the clergy! Guilty as charged! As a full-time Christian minister who has the great privilege of serving the most powerful and wonderful boss imaginable, I’m also rather fond of various other ‘transports of delight’ namely aircraft and trains. I’m also a full qualified bus driver too! My wife calls me a ‘transport geek’ amongst other things! I have several hours in my pilot’s log-book but have never had the time or inclination to go through all the expensive training to qualify for my Private Pilots’ Licence. However, if I ever have the chance to get behind the yoke I do. Whilst a missionary in South America a few years ago I had the honour of flying a turboprop for 50 minutes over the Amazon rain-forest whilst coming back from the Kaieteur Falls – with the pilot’s consent of course as pictured. Thankfully I was familiar with the Cessna Grand Caravan controls as I’ve got it on my Flight Simulator at home, which is a much cheaper flying option! Flying does give you a tremendous perspective on the world below. The vastness of the sky and the small details of the ground below help you to realise that we’re small and that God and His creation are big! For me, that’s a great truth to be reminded of. Whatever situation you’re in right now, which may seem all-consuming, God is bigger. The psalmist in the verse above was having a bad day and wanted to clear off and get some rest. Know the feeling!? However, we can’t always do that. Running away isn’t an option, but we can be at rest knowing that God is with us. There is a lovely verse in the Bible which says,
“Cast all your anxiety on Him (God), because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Whether you’re in the air (metaphorically or physically) or you have your feet firmly planted on the ground – the Bible tells us there is a God in heaven who loves and cares for you. He cared enough to send Jesus Christ to save and heal and forgive and renew you.
