Between The Clouds

There is this place between the clouds where heaven and earth seem to meet. I look out the plane window and see below me; rivers, lakes, green mountains that seem to go on endlessly and the view is enhanced by the sweet little popcorn-puff clouds scattered here and there. Above me is endless blue sky with wafer thin clouds that streak across like long white ribbons. And right where I am - flying at jet speed - it is perfectly clear. I'm between two worlds. The one below me, while beautiful, will not last forever. The one above me has no limits. It goes on to eternity.

So high above the earth it is easy to forget about all the needs and opportunities that are there. I see roads and buildings; evidence of civilization. Yet up here - between the clouds - I'm sheltered from its noise and its demands.

The plane begins to descend. The two and a half hour flight has been too short. I've just begun to shake off life's stresses. I just started imagining having the ability to go even higher. To go up where the sky is no longer blue and the stars would be all I could see. Far above the wispy ribbon clouds.

I will miss this place between the clouds where nothing is expected of me. Where I can just be. Where it is peaceful.

But once beneath the clouds I will join the human race again. With all its challenges and all its joys. I will look toward the heavens and be reminded that while my time on earth is short, my real home is with the Lord.

Written 6/30/2011 on flight from Kansas City to New York.