One Step at a Time

Then He said to them all, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." - Luke 9:23

Am I a follower of Christ? How does it practically look each day to deny myself, take up my cross and follow? One thing is certain: it doesn't mean taking the easy way out. A cross could easily weigh as much as 300 pounds according to some historians. That's going to necessitate a focused determination; a singular purpose and drive. It's going to mean looking straight ahead, not allowing the slightest distraction to the left or right from the task at hand. It's going to mean relying on strength beyond my own, human capability. It's going to mean, as the Apostle Paul said, throwing off the sin that so easily entangles, and continuing with perseverance on the course marked out for us. It's going to mean a continual, conscious, daily decision. But only in making that decision is there fulfillment, peace, and purpose in this life. And only then do I discover that, in His strength, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Life here in Spokane continues to rush by at an increasingly alarming rate. It seems the more there is to do, the less time there is to accomplish it. That said, it's exciting to be a part of the work here, and I know it's exactly where I'm supposed to be.

This past week has revealed the fall colors of Spokane in full regalia. They don't call it fall for nothing. It seems that between the leaves and the recent incessant rain, something is always falling from the sky of late. It's a beautiful season, though; the autumn colors glowing through the fog in the crisp, morning air, sparking an even deeper appreciation for that steaming cup of coffee on my way to work.

My position as Associate Instructor (new title as of last week) at Spokane Turbine Center has continued to be increasingly exciting and challenging. This past training cycle has marked the first cycle where I found myself completely responsible for the instruction of the Garmin G1000 pilot/mechanic course. It was exciting and intimidating at the same time. I don't know that I'll ever get over the fact that our students are already professional, experienced missionary aviators and I am for all practical purposes fresh out of school. It provides some good incentive to spend a lot of time in the technical publications, but I still find myself feeling very small standing behind the lecturn in class. I suppose a certain amount of that is healthy. I have to admit, the more formal instructing I do, the more I enjoy it. It's a thrill to see a student really latch on to a concept that had been completely foreign before that class. I can see how people make a career out of this.

It's hard to believe I've been working full-time at Spokane Turbine Center for closing on a year now. It's been an incredible experience and invaluable as preparation for serving overseas in missionary aviation. I've learned so much and it seems the more I learn the more there is to know. One step at a time, I guess. That's all we can do. And, I have to remind myself, that's all that Christ expects: that we follow as He leads and as He gives us strength, one day at a time. We must only be faithful to take up our cross daily and follow...