The Peace That Passeth All Understanding
On the plane from Dallas to Nashville, I witnessed the coolest lightning storm I have ever seen. I am not exaggerating, you could see it out the plane’s window for a good 20 minutes, so that means what? It had to be at least 100 miles long?
The clouds within which the flashes kept occurring were off in the distance. I have no idea how far away we were, but it seemed a bit too close for comfort. I vaguely recalled something from AP physics class, where you couldn’t get electrocuted if you were inside a metal object, because the charge would distribute itself on the exterior (since the electrons repel each other). But I wasn’t really worried about getting zapped personally, I was instead worried about the lightning knocking out an engine. (And notwithstanding my physics class, I saw that happen in a Twilight Zone episode so it must be possible.)
Anyway, I managed to calm down and just enjoy the light show, by reminding myself that I claimed to believe in an omnipotent loving Being who created everything and designed every subatomic event in the universe’s history in order to fulfill His grand plan. I still would have been terrified had lightning struck the plane (again, assuming that is physically possible), but I managed at least to stop worrying about the mere possibility of it happening.
(Dennis Miller one time had a line about being on a plane with kids going to Bible school, and how it was terrifying to be the only one aboard who was afraid of crashing.)
Well I have nothing more profound to say; if you want a deep thought read Philippians 4:6-9:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
