17 Days!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1st Cor. 13:4-8a)

In 17 days I'm getting married! Crazy. Amazing. Wonderful. ...and ever so slightly terrifying. :) I'm of the opinion that a little apprehension in situations like this is probably healthy. I guess it's a little like flying in that respect. If a pilot has absolutely no apprehension before hurtling two tons of metal down the runway and into the sky, he probably doesn't have a healthy appreciation of what he's about to undertake. Not that I claim to fully understand what I’m getting into; don’t get me wrong. I suppose that's where the above verse comes into play. It's taken on some new meaning in my life as the wedding date draws closer. If we can love as Christ taught us to love, and deny ourselves as Christ denied Himself and gave Himself up for us, just imagine how many relational problems that would solve. Of course, the problem is that we're still human, we're still sinners, and we'll have to continually walk with each other, forgive each other, and hold each other up in prayer. I so greatly appreciate your prayers for Jodie and I as we embark on this new chapter in life. It's going to be such a huge transition for both of us. I'm sure I have no idea....

It's been an incredible year already at Spokane Turbine Center. We've had several classes of missionary pilots and mechanics come through, and I've seen my role as Associate Instructor continue to grow as I take on more and more of the instructional responsibilities. I'm now teaching a couple of the AATD (Advanced Aircraft Training Device, or motion simulator) lessons as well as the Garmin G1000 course and some of the PT6 lessons as well. It's such a privilege to work here and to serve the greater missionary aviation community in this capacity. I'm learning so much from our students than as they come through and talk about the work the Lord is doing in their respective areas of operation overseas. It's so exciting to be a part of the Lord's work! What an incredible privilege that He carries out His message to all of humanity through us! It's sobering to realize that we have the opportunity, privilege, and responsibility to demonstrate the love of Christ to the world around us. May we all strive in His strength and by His Spirit to live out the definition of love we find in 1st Cor 13 in every area of our lives and in all situations, for His glory.