....above

Here are some tips on the subject of aviation:

*  Takeoffs are optional.  Landings are mandatory.

*  If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger.  If you pull the

   stick back they get smaller.  (unless you keep pulling the stick back

   -- then they get bigger again)

*  Flying is not dangerous; crashing is dangerous.

*  The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep the

    pilot cool.  Want proof?  Make it stop; then watch the pilot break out

    into a sweat.

*  It's best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.

*  Every one already knows the definition of a "good landing" is one from

   which you can walk away.  But very few know the definition of a "great

   landing."  It's one after which you can use the airplane another time.

*  A helicopter is a collection of rotating parts going round and round and

   reciprocating parts going up and down -- all of them trying to become

   random in motion.  Helicopters can't really fly -- they're just so ugly

   that the earth immediately repels them.

*  There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing:

    Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

*  Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of your

    takeoffs.

*  Gravity never loses!  The best you can hope for is a draw.

*  It's better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up there

   wishing you were down here.

     Several of these tips lend themselves to spiritual application, but the one that jumped out at me was that last one.  How much better it is to be on this earth with a mind set on "things above", than to be anywhere with a mind set on "things below"!

     "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)

     Because we are surrounded by a world which we can see, it is easy to keep our eyes focused solely on that world.  We will never grow as Christians, though, until we set our sights higher.  Wherever your mind has been this morning, may this serve as a gentle reminder to set it on "things above".