I am writing this blog while high. There, that should get your attention. It’s not what you think. I’m currently 25,000 feet in the air, on a plane, headed to Nashville without my family. A few things worth mentioning. First, I’ve come to the realization that my first flight EVER should probably have come on a plane that I can stand up in. I didn’t realize that they made planes this size that didn’t go around in circles at the amusement park. Second, the sense of adventure is completely gone once you’ve experienced the joy of a night home with your family. If this was six or seven years ago, I’d be excited about having a few days away from New York, living it up on an all expenses paid trip to a city that I’ve been to and really en joy. Instead, this trip reminds me of our honeymoon (which was partly in Nashville) and how I miss being here with my wife, how I’ve missed three drop offs at school, several games of Candy Land Castle, a bathtime or two and all the rest of the things that I’d rather be doing than bouncing through turbulence in the modern day version of the Spirit of St. Louis.

Another thing that I’ve come to realize while sitting here with 47 of my closest flying buddies is that, having never flown before and it being 10:30 at night, I have no idea where we’re going, or if what we’re experiencing is normal or the beginning of the end (not of the flight, mind you.) With every ascent, bump and bounce I’m watching the people around me and waiting for a reaction. When I see no look of concern, I assume that I’m free to type for another second before having another concern. In a brief moment of clarity within the friendly skies, I’ve come to realize that this is a lot like Christian life. Often, the road is bumpy and the path ahead is dark and running through unknown territory. Much like tonight, we rely on those who have been there to tell us it’s going to be ok. The big difference is that God is not like this 48 seat airplane. While the ride is sometimes bumpy and tumultuous, the end result is great joy and treasure, and the landing is always safe in His everlasting arms. Now, back to watching my neighbor’s faces as we’re asked once again to buckle our seatbelts. This must be normal, right?