I've had a few cool flights lately! Actual high-altitude flights or experiences: We went as a family to the top of Innsbruck, the Hafelekar, 2334 metres above sealevel. It was wonderful to hike in the sun on the mountains above the sea of clouds. Even more beautiful than if we had had a clear view of the valley. We were just above the thick cotton wool clouds, like in an airplane, beautiful.
The second high-altitude flight was actually in a helicopter! I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter! When there was a special offer, my husband and I seized the opportunity and fulfilled this dream. It was brilliant. Almost like flying with a dragon! (I dream of flying in the sky with a dragon like in Avatar one day in heaven.) We flew over the lonely mountains, surrounded by windows, even on the floor, and you could feel every gust of wind. Twenty exciting minutes! Yay!
I am very grateful to God for these high points, these unforgettable moments.
There were also some spiritual soaring flights or highlights in the fall: My husband and I were speakers at a church weekend, and I was able to give two talks. I also preached twice in our church and am so grateful for how our church is growing healthily and becoming more and more international. As a family, we also serve in refugee work and it is wonderful to see how God is working among the Iranians in Innsbruck. I am able to invest myself in God's kingdom and this work gives me so much meaning and joy!
Recently, however, I attended a Christian event where I suddenly felt like I had to prove myself. There were a few important people there, including Christians who appeared very confident. And I felt like I had to keep up with them. I sat tensely in my chair and thought about how I could introduce myself to the famous person. After all, I am someone too and have already achieved a lot! Connecting and networking is important! But it didn't work out and then I felt very small. I got a headache and looked for a quiet room to hide in. And that was exactly the right thing to do. I did some stretching exercises and prayed. And I found peace. God gave me a bird's-eye view again, the eagle's eye view (not just the eagle exercise for my tense shoulders). I felt seen, only by Him alone. And appreciated. I don't have to prove to anyone out there how great and important I am... It was so relaxing and nice to go back among the people with this peace. God then gave me a brief but blessed encounter with an older woman who may not be so important, but is very mature, wise, and humble. And I met people who were attending this event for the first time. And I sat in the large hall during worship and worshipped God all alone in my heart. Because the only thing that matters is my relationship with Him.
Being important and performing well was a temptation for the Pharisees, and it is still a temptation for us today. But really, it's only about God and me. About His presence in my heart, His shalom within me.
My autumn soaring flights are now over. Landing is often the most difficult part of flying. I stumble to the ground, run, and find my footing again. As it says in Isaiah: We need strength not only to fly, but also to walk.
But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don´t get tired,
they walk and don´t lag behind.
(Approach for a landing in Isaiah 40:31)
