Cloud Vision

Clouds.  Flying through clouds. Dark clouds. The tube carrying 100 or so people shakes, just a little, but enough to get your attention.

Do you know that moment? That moment when the chatterbox three rows back suddenly becomes quiet. The moment when the businesswomen intent on completing her presentation shuts down the computer and looks at her seatmate. That moment when a husband and wife, sitting aisle and window, reach across the empty center seat to hold hands.

When you are flying through life’s clouds it’s like that, isn’t it? My day started talking with a friend whose brother is about to go into six hour surgery, the outcome of which will bring news, and perhaps a chance at recovery. Perhaps not.  There is little to say to my friend and her family. Little that is not trite or some time-worn slogan that clergy are supposed to say. And yet, in that moment, in the dark clouds, it’s not so much what you say that matters, it’s more how you say it. It’s more that you are physically or emotionally holding someone’s hand to show her that you are there.  Everyone pays attention when the airplane is shaking through the darkness. Everyone needs a hand held, even the tough guy in aisle 12 who looks like he has survived much worse.  He could use a smile too.  Yes, in the dark clouds, people are listening.

What they want to hear; what they need to hear, is that God lives in the clouds.  And he does.  God is the Light that keeps the Darkness from becoming overwhelming.

You know, in your mind more than in your heart, that the airplane is going to get through the dark clouds. And then, wheels down, Chatty Cathy and Betty Businesswoman can get back to what they do.  In the light. On the ground. Out of the clouds.

The most critical thing to have when you are flying through dark clouds is the vision that comes not from seeing but from believing.  That’s faith, I suppose. Cloud vision.