Landing Gear--you never think about them till you need them

Landing gear are those essential components that give aircraft the capability to safely land and take-off. They are there when you roll down the runway and they are there when you make the final approach, but where do they go during the flight?

Many elements of our lives are like that. They are taken for granted until they are missing. We assume a person will be there until they are gone. Health is part of the norm until the breath falters, the heart stumbles, or the vision blurs.

I have found a disturbing aspect in the lives of some people I have come to know. They assume a faith relationship in their life, but do nothing to grow it, guard it, or ground it. They are startled in the times of trial and confusion when they can't find it. They locate the translucent shell they have carried around for years only to sadly discover that is is nothing more than a nano thin casting of themselves. What they assumed was a faith relationship with God is actually nothing more that a very gross approximation of themselves. The relationship was nothing more than self love and ego-centric adoration.

So check out your landing gear. Do you know where they are stowed away during flight? Are you cycling through your gauges to determine their condition and availability? Remember, this is not a "non-stop" flight. There are plenty of terminals to visit over the course of time. So make sure your gear is ready. Final approach is not when you want to discover an equipment malfunction. Follow the manual and keep your gear in shape.