This evening I returned to Arizona from Texas via Southwest flight 2771. Something dawned on me during the turbulent, hour long flight that I have felt before but have never been able to articulate. I hate flying. Occasionally, I need to travel by plane and while I can't imagine anyone finding it enjoyable (outside of first class), I assume most are indifferent or at least tolerant. I on the other hand have always secretly been pretty uneasy with the whole experience. It's something about the takeoff and the landing and everything that happens in between. However, there is a moment once you pass 30,000 feet and the seatbelt sign is turned off when everything is calm. This is a moment that I love almost more than any other. The reason for this is the front row seat to our Creator's handiwork. Irrespective of your destination, seat, layovers, etc if you take a look out of the window, you get a rare glimpse of this beautiful planet that we all share. Our collective struggles and triumphs, tragedies and victories, all occurring thousands of feet below. It is at this moment that the beauty and fragility of this life become perfectly clear. Suspended in the sky for hours that feel like minutes, I take the opportunity to reflect on how I've spent my time and what difference I've made thus far. I also get inspired by the endless possibilities that wait for me and my fellow passengers if we make it back safely.
As the plane starts it's rocky descent, the uneasiness returns. This feeling is not created by fear of a crash that would mean certain death. My house is in order and I'm ready to go whenever that time comes. The uneasiness is caused by the grief my loved ones would experience and missing out on all of the work that I would love to be a part of. As the ground gets closer and closer, I hear the landing gear and feel the impact of the wheels touching the ground. I am even more energized because I know there is more work to do and I get to be a part of it. As we step off of the plane, while some may be on their way to the next flight or to grab their bags and head to their destination, I'm thankful for another opportunity to get it right and I put my scribbled list of ideas in my pocket so I can start working on them when the time is right. Until then, just happy to be back with her...
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