It is often said that the higher a plane flies, the smaller the objects below become.
From above, a mighty expressway turns into thin pencil lines. Tall buildings become mere dots. Animals and human beings shrink into tiny, ant-like figures.
As the plane ascends, the things of the earth gradually disappear from view.
This gently reminds us that as we grow spiritually and move closer to God, earthly things begin to lose their hold on our minds and hearts.
Likewise, a plane that looks so large on the tarmac becomes smaller and smaller as it rises into the sky. This is another quiet lesson that all things, including human beings who seem “big” on earth will become insignificant as they draw closer to God.
After all, we are dust. This raises an important question: why do many people treat this world as everything, even when we know it is temporary and fleeting?
As the Yoruba proverb asks, “Kí là ń wá ayé mọ́yà fún náà?” (Why are we so attached to the things of this world?)
There are many lessons to learn from a flying plane. It also reflects our social growth through wealth, status, and education.
A wealthy man may see the poor as mere tools for making more money.
An educated person may regard the illiterate as insignificant.
So which path should we choose?
Should we become so spiritual and close to God that we ignore the beautiful things of life? Or should we pursue wealth and education and neglect our spiritual lives?
Or should we strive to balance all three, embracing education and prosperity, while loving God so deeply that nothing matters more than the hope of heaven?
This is a complex puzzle. Perhaps only God can define it for each individual, according to His grace.
May His grace be sufficient for us, O Lord, for Your ways are beyond human understanding.
