Over the past few weeks I’ve had lots of travel experiences. I’m compelled to share one with you right now. Last week the pilot said, “Prepare for ascension.” Now, I’m usually under my headphones working but for some odd reason I was paying close attention. I wondered if I heard the pilot correctly. I’m used to hearing, “Flight attendants, prepare for landing.” I’ve never heard, “Flight attendants, prepare for ascension.” Needless to say, I became quite curious as to what was meant by this so I delayed putting on my headphones and watched to see how the flight attendants were going to respond to the pilot’s command.
One flight attendant came on the intercom and explained that while we had turbulently climbed through one set of clouds and leveled off, we could not get comfortable and relaxed because we had to make it through another layer of clouds before we would reach our cruising altitude; you know that place of comfort and smooth sailing where you can pull out your laptop or move about the cabin. Another flight attendant quickly assessed our safety.
Perplexed by what was happening, I looked out the window of the airplane. I saw that indeed I was above one set of clouds and climbing to reach another layer of clouds. I didn’t understand it because we were settled, comfortable and some were poised to unbuckle their seat belts to stand up. I was particularly thankful for making it through the turbulence as it was quite a rough climb as we left the airport. But then the warning came, instructing us to stay buckled up and “Prepare for ascension.” One more level of turbulence, according to the pilot, was going to take us to an even better place of comfort and ease. And it did.
The climb to the space above the next layer of clouds was rocky, short-lived and worth what was awaiting on the next level. I had no idea what was above the second layer of clouds until we fought through the atmosphere and leveled off. It was beautiful. Absolutely majestic! It was so smooth that it was hard to tell if the plane was moving. It was as if someone bigger and more capable than any human being was flying the plane. Finally, we could unbuckle and move about the cabin. (topic for next time)
I have encountered turbulence in my life and by God’s amazing grace, I’ve made it above the clouds. And now, I am preparing for ascension. I’m not trying to land just yet. I’m going all the way up! (Yes, that’s a song. I couldn’t help myself. I’m channeling my son.) I’m not settling for success beyond the first layer of clouds. I’ve learned that there’s another level to reach. And while there might be some turbulence and turmoil along the way, I’m going all the way up!
So, are you ready to climb through the next layer of clouds? You have not seen all that the Lord has in store for you. Don’t get comfortable! Don’t unbuckle too soon. Resist the urge to walk around without instruction. There could very possibly be another level for you to reach to see God’s handiwork up close and personal. My friends, prepare for ascension!