Articles
I Thought It Was How It Should Be
I Thought It Was How It Should Be
Really, I had been on so many night photo training flights that it seemed like second nature. But for the new men it held a certain excitement. On the training flights we always went to the same area and had set targets to photograph.
It was about an hour out to the site and during that time the ones that were being trained were briefed several times. Normally we flew out at 25,000 feet, arrived on station and descended to 1500 feet. Then after flying in the area to get originated, we would make our first run.
The run was started about five miles away from the target, and we would gradually descend to 100 feet. As we approached, we would light up the ship with the search light and at just the right moment take a set of pictures.
On this particular run that is not what happened. Instead of a few flashes and a few pictures being taken, both flash banks exploded, one at the left rear of the aircraft and one at the right rear. As you can imagine the plane pitched and bucked a little.
The result was a 20x6 foot hole opened-up in the rear of the aircraft. In addition, there was a partial loss of electrical power and hydraulic pressure.
To say the least, it was an exciting time, we were in trouble and we knew it. The co-pilot, who was one of the men being trained, and actually operating the photo equipment showed no reaction at all, and just said, "I thought that was the way it was supposed to be." At first, he truly had no idea of the trouble we were in. But as a pilot, very quickly he "knew" and reacted as the seasoned pilot that he was.
When we made it back to base we were met by several emergency vehicles and fire trucks. Now upon inspection it was worse than we thought. Wires were hanging out, hydraulic fluid dripping and a hole the size no one could believe.
I have thought about the co-pilot's words a number of times over the years, "I thought that was the way it was supposed to be". As children of God we know just thinking a teaching is true or wishing it were does not make it so. We can be ignorant of, or misunderstand many things without any lasting consequences, but in seeking salvation there is no room for ignorance or I thoughts.
For sure there are multiple millions thinking, "This is the way it is supposed to be", as it relates to their religious life. The religious world as a whole teaches different things, believe different things, and practice different things, all in the Name of God. Again, thinking this is how it should be.
Of course, as children of God we know this is not true. So, let us be the ones to share the truth with as many as we can. Consider the following.
- John 8:32 -"You will know the truth and the truth will make you free". If you don't know the truth you can't be free.
- Hebrews 5:9 "And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal life". You can't obey what you have not been taught.
- Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says unto Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name preform many miracles? And then I will declare to them I never knew you; Depart from Me. You who practice lawlessness". Again, you cannot do the will of the Father if you don't know the will of the Father.
Just thinking it is true does not make it true. Let us each seek to point the way to the Father in truth.
