Though I have never piloted a plane, I learned a valuable lesson from one who has.
Years ago, as a teenager, I read an article written by Robert E. Wells about his experience learning to become a pilot. It came time for his final flight exam where he would be checked on his skill and competency.
To his astonishment, as he flew the plane up to cruising level, the instructor then shut off everything that was not absolutely necessary to keeping the plane in the air.
In response to his student’s, concerned, “Why?” the flight instructor replied, “How well can you fly it when everything goes wrong?”
That would be a true test of one’s ability, wouldn’t it?
At that moment, this new pilot was required to call upon every learning and skill he had been studying and practicing and rehearsing throughout his training.
As he flew successfully, do you think he grew in confidence knowing what he was now capable of? Do you think he had much more appreciation for the instrumentation when it was available to him? Do you think he would ever take for granted having the control panel helps after that experience?
I have often thought of the message (or the many messages) of that story, over the years.
One of which is:
Anyone can “fly” through life when everything is going well – when the finances flow smoothly, health is vibrant, relationships are strong, etc. But the true test of character is how we “fly it” when things are challenging and rough. Maybe money is in short supply, health is declining in ourselves or someone we love. Maybe our relationships are faltering. What do we do then?
These are the times when we get to dig deep and draw upon the inner resources we have been developing over the years. And as we find ourselves working through those circumstances, sometimes haltingly and uncertainly, but still moving forward, we grow in confidence with each successful navigation of life’s challenges.
At the time, it may be difficult to see the personal progress, but I believe it’s vital to our growth to recognize and applaud each experience where we did our best. Notice I did not focus on the outcome but rather, on our efforts. The end result may not turn out the way we think, but if we’ve done all we can, we can be at peace.
When life seems to be “going wrong” and it doesn’t feel like you’re “flying” well at all, dig deep and trust your ability to get through those hard times. You’ve done it before and are all the stronger because of it!
With love,
