Marie Ekren – Part 1
Flight simulators are used to teach pilots how to fly using the plane’s instrument panel rather than flying by sight. A pilot must “trust his instruments” and not his feelings, even when it feels like he is nosediving his plane when, in fact, the instrument panel tells him that he is flying at the perfect altitude.
Similarly in life, when we get blindsided by events that send us reeling, we could become disorientated and get overwhelmed by our feelings.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive free educational articles and videos each month.
Trusting My Instruments
Flight simulators are used to teach pilots how to fly using the plane’s instrument panel rather than flying by sight. A pilot must “trust his instruments” and not his feelings, even when it feels like he is nosediving his plane when, in fact, the instrument panel tells him that he is flying at the perfect altitude.
Similarly in life, when we get blindsided by events that send us reeling, we could become disorientated and get overwhelmed by our feelings.
It is then that we must rely on our “instruments” to help get us through a traumatic experience.
In 1989, at the age of 26, I decided that the “Manufacturers Handbook”, the Holy Bible, would become the instrument panel that I would learn to rely on. Through His Handbook, God provides us with instructions on how to live life successfully and He provides a larger perspective on how we can view circumstances as they occur in life.
Fast forward 28 years, after the sudden death of my eldest son Chris, my trust in my chosen “instrument panel” would be severely tested. Many times, since Chris’s death in September 2017, I stand on the wooden deck he built in our backyard and look towards the mountains near Squamish where he died. I bawl my eyes out thinking of how much I miss Chris. Then, despite my very negative feelings, I purposely turn and look up to his old bedroom window and cry out to God:
“I trust you God. I don’t understand your plans, but I choose to trust that one day I will.”
I know how easy it would be to allow my thoughts to take a deep spiral down into very unhealthy areas. I naturally question “what’s the point of life?” and “what’s my purpose?” It would be so easy to get very, very negative, but I choose not to go there. Instead, like a seasoned pilot, I do my best to trust my instrument panel. I trust the Bible and the promises it contains:
“Trust in God with all your heart and don’t act on your own feelings or understanding. Seek God’s wisdom in everything you do and He will give you clear direction for your life.”
Chad’s paraphrasing of Proverbs 3:5-6
“Thank you, God, for providing me with some of your perspective. Thank you for the many mountain top experiences you have given me in my life, even after Chris has passed. I even thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow in the valleys you walk me through.” Your son, Chad.
It is then that we must rely on our “instruments” to help get us through a traumatic experience.
In 1989, at the age of 26, I decided that the “Manufacturers Handbook”, the Holy Bible, would become the instrument panel that I would learn to rely on. Through His Handbook, God provides us with instructions on how to live life successfully and He provides a larger perspective on how we can view circumstances as they occur in life.
Fast forward 28 years, after the sudden death of my eldest son Chris, my trust in my chosen “instrument panel” would be severely tested. Many times, since Chris’s death in September 2017, I stand on the wooden deck he built in our backyard and look towards the mountains near Squamish where he died. I bawl my eyes out thinking of how much I miss Chris. Then, despite my very negative feelings, I purposely turn and look up to his old bedroom window and cry out to God:
“I trust you God. I don’t understand your plans, but I choose to trust that one day I will.”
I know how easy it would be to allow my thoughts to take a deep spiral down into very unhealthy areas. I naturally question “what’s the point of life?” and “what’s my purpose?” It would be so easy to get very, very negative, but I choose not to go there. Instead, like a seasoned pilot, I do my best to trust my instrument panel. I trust the Bible and the promises it contains:
“Trust in God with all your heart and don’t act on your own feelings or understanding. Seek God’s wisdom in everything you do and He will give you clear direction for your life.”
Chad’s paraphrasing of Proverbs 3:5-6
“Thank you, God, for providing me with some of your perspective. Thank you for the many mountain top experiences you have given me in my life, even after Chris has passed. I even thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow in the valleys you walk me through.” Your son, Chad.