Turbulence

You board the airliner, make polite social noise to the flight crew, shuffle up the aisle looking for your seat assignment. Seat is located, baggage is stowed in the overhead compartment, backpack is under the seat, seat belt is clicked and you are ready to engage in social noise with your fellow travelers.
At just that moment the Captain's comforting voice welcomes us aboard and turns us over to the capable, and well rehearsed, flight crew. Read the brochure on how to get out of the plane in case of an emergency. Look up to see where the oxygen mask will fall from. Snug the seat belt once more and you are ready for take-off (with the tray in the full upright and locked position).
Cruising altitude comes quickly. The flight has settled into the routine of beverages offered, bathrooms visited, and babies now tired of the confined space. Then comes the announcement--"Ladies and gentlemen, we are anticipating some turbulence. Please return to your seats as quickly as possible and fasten your seat belts. Please note that the seat belt light is illuminated. Please remain in your seat with your belts securely fastened until such time as the light is turned off."
Now, 9 out of 10 times there is the occasional bump and bumble to the frame of the aircraft. Beverages will be jostled, babies will be disturbed, and your bladder will remind you why you should not have waited to finished the chapter before going to the restroom which is now oh so far away. But then there is the other 1/10 of the time when the turbulence hits with a passion. Suddenly the safety brochure comes out of the seat pocket for a second look. And the complaint about having to wear your seat belt gives way to silent thanks for keeping it fastened. Much of our lives are lived like that. Voices of experience, wisdom, and compassion reach out to us with clarity, direction, and insight to help us avoid the turbulence of life.
Sometimes turbulence is annoying or irritating. Sometimes it is threatening and the forebearer of eminent danger. Turbulence reminds us that when cruising along comfortably enjoying bounty of the beverage cart that we are really 30,000 feet above the ground and a mere 9 inches of fuselage protects us from -35 temperatures. Turbulence reminds us that this is just a temporary stop along life's journey.
Listen to the flight crew, read the Brochure, heed the warning of the Captain, and keep your belt securely fastened. You never know when the turbulence is coming. Just know it is coming. So keep your belt fastened and be prepared.