I still am fascinated by flight, especially airplanes. As a little boy, I saved my allowance to buy model plane sets. I came perilously close to going to the Air Force Academy until I learned I was too big to be a pilot. Even though I understand aerodynamics, I still wonder how a multi-ton airplane can fly by simply forcing air over a wing.
I am also a believer in God, although I don’t understand much. It’s called faith, and when confronted with why I believe, my answer is inadequate. I have known many people who don’t believe and many more who don’t embrace the Christian faith. Many relate experiences of being burned by experiences in the institutional church and are convinced that the eternal realm of God cannot live in human institutions or hearts. They also say that my faith only offers an afterlife, and no real hope or answers in the present. All these opinions come from equating the concept of eternal with endless time, and we live in the present.
The eternal is not something off into the future, it is not about afterlife or some grand plan we will never understand. Eternal refers to something that transcends time entirely. During this Lent, we have practiced certain disciplines that help us guide and serve others to see the eternal in the present. To those who do not know God, the idea of experiencing the eternal in the present life seems a contradiction. After all, how can the heaviness of human life float high above in the skies of eternity? Yet, airplanes fly.
This Lent we have learned how to teach ourselves and others to soar into God’s presence, despite the weight of our imperfection.
Editor’s Note: Thank you for joining us and participating in this Lenten season. I hope you will continue to follow and support the Pew when we start back up next week. Have a wonderful Easter Day and God Bless!
Thank YOU, Webb, for your insights, your discipline, your commitment, and yes, your imperfections. You can’t begin to imagine how much impact your postings have been to me and to numerous others, I’m sure. Thank you thank you!
Your friend
Tom
Have you heard the story of the boy who asks his Mom, “Why can airplanes fly?”
“I don’t know son, its best you go ask your Dad.”
Pause
“Mom, I don’t want to know *that much* about why airplanes can fly.”
Those with further interest may find *The Airplane* by Jay Spenser a fascinating read for the airline passenger who want’s to know more (New York: HarperCollins, 2008)