Overcoming Turbulence on the Ground

I like to fly. I do. However, I am not a fan of turbulence.

#fromwhereIsit at 28,000 feet it’s pretty “choppy” right now. That term has always made me chuckle. Choppy? Isn’t that what we do to scallions and carrots before throwing them into a stew? Is choppy supposed to make me feel better than “bumpy” or “rough?” According to our captain, air traffic control has alerted us that it will be like this for the next 40 minutes. The flight attendants have been asked to take a seat until we are clear of Lake Michigan. There are no alternate flight paths or altitudes cleared for our Embraer 190 to traverse.

This is it. So sit back, relax and enjoy.

As we soar through life, we too hit turbulence. Just as my fingers are now bouncing off the keys and typos are becoming prolific, our life turbulence can be moderate to severe with no alternate flight plans. It seems our only course is to sit down and buckle up for the chop. If you’re at all like me, these seasons berate my body and my mind. I find it all too easy to focus solely on my circumstances and the pressures I’m feeling. But just as our plane continues its forward motion, so too can we push through life’s turbulence.

Pushing Through

Be still. Even a few seconds of stillness can bring peace. Currently, we have now hit a patch of calm air. Our aircraft is resting from the stress of winds and pressure changes. My body has instantly relaxed, almost subconsciously, from the environmental change. When you are in the midst of a trial, make time to be still. When life sends you chaos, take time to settle your mind. Pause, pray, breath and reflect on what is good. This gives your body a much needed reprieve from the winds of life.

Focus on the light.Even in the midst of darkness, the faintest of lights can be seen. When you find yourself in the shadows of life, remember that there is a light. It may be the day your cast will come off a broken wrist or the warm embrace of a friend helping to heal your emotional pain. Lake Michigan may be big, but I know we will be over land soon and this too shall pass. We can have hope when we focus on the light.

Find a guide. No matter your life stage, chances are good that someone you know has walked through what you’re walking into. Their first-hand experience can be a source of insight, comfort and encouragement. Some time ago a friend of mine was gearing up for major internal surgery. He asked a few of us for prayer support, but from me, he got more. I had lived through the exact same surgery 9 years prior. Just knowing someone could relate to him put his mind at ease. In my airborne scenario, I look to the flight attendants. I’ve decided that I won’t be nervous unless they look nervous.

I believe there are at least five distinctly different types of turbulence. There are vertical bumps, horizontal shifting, the central pivot teeter-toter, rear tail swaying, and my least favorite, the “no-lift are we about to go down? 500 foot drop.” I’m sure these are all industry specific technical terms.

My point- life also brings different types of turbulence from mild to severe. No matter what you’re facing today or in the future, remember to be still, focus on the light and find a guide to help you push through to smooth skies once again.

Overcoming Turbulence on the Ground by Nathan A. Claycomb first appeared on From Where I Sit.