This happened when I was a child. Heavy rain poured down as we made our way to the airport. Even after we boarded the plane, the rain showed no sign of letting up, while thunder rumbled and lightning flashed outside. Will the plane be able to take off safely? What if we get struck by lightning?
My mind filled with all kinds of worries, and I could not take my eyes off the window. I found myself praying that we would arrive safely at our destination. Once the plane took off and climbed above the clouds, however, an incredible sight came into view. The dark clouds, thunder, and lightning had completely disappeared, and a clear blue sky stretched peacefully above us. Years later, while learning about the structure of Earth’s atmosphere in science class, I was reminded of that scene. Earth’s atmosphere is divided by altitude into the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The troposphere, where we live, has relatively unstable air and is where most weather occurs. By contrast, the upper troposphere and stratosphere, where airplanes often fly, are generally more stable, with far fewer weather disturbances. Perhaps our life of faith is much the same. For now, we may encounter trials because of our unrefined character and the circumstances around us. But if we rely on God and persevere through hardship and pain, we will one day reach the kingdom of heaven, where there is only happiness and peace. Looking forward to that day, I resolve to walk the path of faith with patience to the very end.
