Piloting Faith: Here is what happened when a plane crashed over the weekend...

A Word for the Day...

I went flying over the weekend. About 30 minutes after I landed, a single-engine plane with retractable landing gear came into land on the same runway. As I watched the plane descend, I realized that the left side wheel had failed to deploy correctly. I suspect the pilot of the plane already knew this. Planes have indicator lights that tell us if the landing gear is locked and active.

The plane landed on the right side tire, then the nose wheel and then collapsed to the left side, skidding to a stop. To the pilot's credit, he was on the centerline and exited the plane through the right passenger door. He nailed a textbook emergency landing. Everyone was ok. But every other pilot at the field that day had the color drain from our faces...this was one of a list of experiences the rest of us would rather not have.

Life is full of these, isn't it? We are all faced with challenging circumstances that test our skills, our patience, our wisdom and sometimes our integrity. The key in these situations is being ready.

Here is what I do when I find myself in scary situations in life. I imagine three scenarios:

• What is the worst thing that could happen?

• What is the best thing that could happen?

• What can I live with?

Then I aim for the best possible outcome. In aviation, we are trained relentlessly to be prepared for these experiences. In life...well, it's hit or miss.

As you imagine 2019, think about the ways you want to grow. Are there ways that you could intentionally challenge yourself to "level up?" Maybe you want to live with greater integrity. Maybe you want to face and conquer a fear that is holding you back. Maybe you want to find a job that uses your best skills. Maybe you want to be more present for your kids.

Whatever your "leveling up" looks like, go for it with all of your heart. Aim for the best possible landing. God is with you.

- Rev. Cameron Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight

Prayer for the Week

Lord,

Give us our daily bread.

May this simple prayer flourish in my heart and mind today. Let it teach me how wholly dependent I am on you for the basics, and how I can trust you for my needs.

Jesus, you asked us to ask.

For the millions who have too little to eat today, have mercy. May all those in positions of power and abundance have mercy, too - mercy that provides for those in need. Show me my necessary part in your provision so those who need food, water, and welcome can find it in our culture, that they might live with safety, health, and dignity.

Amen.

(adapted from The Prayer Wheel by Patton Dodd, Jana Riess, and David Van Biema)