Attitude is Altitude

Attitude is Altitude

Though I haven't flown very often, one flight I will never forget. Close friends had promised us a night flight over San Diego, California as a Christmas gift.

They drove us to a small airport in a suburb to the east. The husband was a trained pilot, so we waited while he checked out the plane.

At his direction, we four piled in and he taxied down the runway. A low mountain seemed to be looming ahead of us. The pilot kept pulling on a lever which we later learned was to give more lift.

Let's Get Some Lift

In aeronautics, lift is the position of the aircraft in relation to a given plane. It was quiet in the cabin as we stared at the mountain. What a relief to see it go under us.

We were now going higher and could look down on the lights of the metropolitan area. The night seemed exceptionally clear and beautiful. It was easy to distinguish the city and the suburbs, the bay and the mountains.

In the air, there was a feeling of peace, no turbulence or hesitation. No need for more lift. We later learned the plane had been fueled with more than the requested amount. The pilot knew about lift, but we were clueless. Our trust was totally in him.

The landing went smoothly The beauty we had seen gave us a lot to talk about. There were also happy memories to tuck away

I've never been on such a small plane again, though I've been on larger planes for longer flights. In daylight hours I've enjoyed clouds, sunshine, ocean, mountains, desert and river views. But my night flight over San Diego has always been special.

Up and Over

Life is kind of like that evening flight. You know it's coming and you prepare for it the best you can. Then suddenly you're staring into a mountain and must pull a lever for some lift.

One pull . . . a scripture verse. It helped, but you need to go higher. Another pull . .  prayer. Good choice, but you need to go higher. More scripture . . . good. More prayer .  . higher.

Faith is the lift that keeps you in flight. Soon the mountain is under you. Then it's behind you. You are flying like an eagle. Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength . . . They will soar on wings like eagles . . ."

Just remember attitude is altitude and faith is the lift that can get you soaring.