As a boy I would check out the “A” volume of World Book. In the middle were colored pages of airplanes. Primarily they were from the World War II vintage. The center piece was the B-17. I read books about pilots and experiences from those that were part of the “flying fortress.” Another favorite was God is My Co-Pilot, by Robert L. Scott, that chronicled the story of a P-51 pilot in the Asian theater of the war. I dreamed about seeing them in person like dinosaur bones in a museum, and flying in them was just not even a consideration.
Dream no more, I flew in a B-17 to St. Paul, Minnesota with a P-51 escort. I still cannot believe that it really happened. Several good friends made it all come true. To really understand how much this was provided by others I arrived at the Omaha’s Eppley Field without my billfold. I had no cash, credit cards or identification. I was completely dependent upon my friend’s friends to get me all the way across the country and back home. The entire process was rewarding and humbling!
A good friend, Stephan
Now back in my office I reflect upon God’s identification with us. We carry no ID. of our own into heaven. He took care of that on the cross by dying in our place. Our heavenly I.D. is under His name. It is not that we are nameless in heaven it is that our identity is completely in Christ. Marvel of marvels things there will be beyond our dreams. We may want to go to heaven here on earth, but no one can imagine fully here the full blessing or even imagine the profound marvel of what Christ did for us. To think He calls us friends should humble us beyond words. When you trust Christ you trust Him for all there is and He gives you more than you can imagine.
You can learn more about these fantastic planes at www.collingsfoundation.org
I am so glad that you were able to fly on that airplane-and I am even more glad that Jesus loves us. With His help we can become all that He has made us to be. Praise be to God!
Sooooo Cool!!!