I was in the Navy. The photo shows it right after it was launched by the
carrier’s catapult. The wheels have not been retracted yet. It is full of fuel, a
crew of four, and heading out on its mission. This particular plane is
configured to refuel other aircraft in the air.
As a pilot, I can honestly tell you there is nothing more useless than altitude
above you and air in the fuel tanks. The more you have of the former means
you are closer to the surface of the water or land. The more you have of the
latter means you are getting closer to the point when it is all air and no fuel.
That’s when the aircraft becomes a pretty, streamlined rock.
That initial picture of the takeoff is like the start of our lives. We start out all full
of dreams and goals and the promise of good things in the future. At the start,
it is our parents who have those things for us. When we have matured, they
become an active part of us. They may be the same ones our parents had for
us or totally our own. It is as if we have landed from our mission of growing up
and have now taken off on our mission of being an adult.
How high can we go, how fast? Part of the answer is our natural abilities, part
training, part drive or ambition, and part of the goals we have set. That’s like
the various parts that make up that plane, all coming together to make up the whole.
How about fuel? That is the special part because it is God’s love and grace. The wonderful thing about it is the supply is unlimited.
It is what we do with God’s fuel that determines our lives and where we
ultimately land. There are many who follow God’s flight plan and when it
comes time for that final landing, he is there to welcome us home.
Most of us sometimes run into foul weather when life turns against us. We let
the fuel level drop and struggle trying to get out of the storm ourselves,
blaming God for the problems and perhaps even turning away from him.
Some people turn that around and refuel themselves with what God has to
offer. Sadly, some do not and they turn away, refusing to allow God’s love to
fuel their lives. When they allow that fuel tank to totally run dry, then they
crash and burn and the fire is unending.
What kind of life are you flying? When life turns bad and your fuel level runs
low, do you turn back to God to be refueled? The supply is limitless, you can
refuel as often as you like. The only cost is to love God and follow his plan.
Or, sadly, are you headed for dry tanks and that fatal crash? If the latter
describes you, then reverse course and refill your tanks. God is waiting to
welcome you to his home. It is, however, your choice.
Choose!
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