Friends,
Isn't it great when we have a problem and we take that problem (car, computer, health, anything) to someone...and they fix it! Nothing is more frustrating to me than when I can't fix something.
I'm jumping on a plane again in a couple days, so how about a little "plane humor" that someone sent me this morning that cracked me up!
Ø After every flight, pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet, which conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair or correction. The mechanics read and correct the problem, and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken and the pilot reviews the gripe sheets before the next flight.
> >
> > Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of
> > humor. Here are some actual logged maintenance complaints and problems
> > as submitted by Qantas pilots and the solution recorded by maintenance
> > engineers. By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never
> > had an accident.
> >
> > (P = The problem logged by the pilot) (S = The solution and action
> > taken by the engineers)
> >
> > P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
> > S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.
> >
> > P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
> > S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
> >
> > P: Something loose in cockpit.
> > S: Something tightened in cockpit
> >
> > P: Dead bugs on windshield.
> > S: Live bugs on back-order.
> >
> > P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute
> > descent
> > S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
> >
> > P: DME volume unbelievably loud
> > S: DME volume set to more believable level.
> >
> > P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
> > S: That's what they're there for.
> >
> > P: Suspected crack in windshield
> > S: Suspect you're right
> >
> > P: Number 3 engine missing
> > S: Engine found on right wing after brief search
> >
> > P: Aircraft handles funny.
> > S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.
> >
> > P: Target radar hums.
> > S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics
These engineers and maintenance crews are great fixers, aren't they?
But in real life, there is a big difference between healing and fixing. Fixing corrects the problem. Healing might correct it, but even bigger than that even if it doesn't, healing brings peace despite the problem!
I spent a lot of time this week with Clarence Center Fire Company and Twin Cities ambulance crews at people's homes that had problems...seriously health conditions and emergency situations. They used their gifts and talents to, in one case, literally breathe life back in people! But did they "fix" everything? No, we know that's not how all stories end. But did they heal...yes, absolutely, as best they could in difficult circumstances.
Jesus said, 'Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28
Notice he didn't say "I'll give you rest and fix it." That's not the business he was in. He was in the business of letting us know we are loved...that the Kingdom of God had broken in...and that he brought a peace the world could not overwhelm.
I'm heading to Haiti with our mission team. I have no misconceptions that we'll "fix" a damn thing down there. I just hope and pray that while we're all together, we might see a tad more healing because we have a place to go and bring our burdens...because we have a Savior who is bigger than the world...because the Holy Spirit still offers direction and peace in the midst of the problem.
That offer goes to you as well today...from a loving Savior...a spiritual paramedic. Bring him your problem...have him come to your house...and he promises to fi....wait....he promises to bring you peace through healing!
Lord, thanks for rolling onto my scene. Amen
Still in One Peace,
ps
