Flying to Heaven Sylvia Jong

I had a recurring dream for many years.  It is World War ll.  I am married to a fighter pilot, a man whom I loved very deeply.  He was shot down over enemy territory in Europe.  Love overcame the fear.  I would often hear his voice whispering in the background:  Tell them it’s O.K.  And I will always love you. 

For some reason, this dream gave me tremendous reassurance that I was following my life’s calling. But more importantly, that I am aligning my work values with my spiritual values. I never had any ambition to be a flight attendant.  I stumbled upon this “dream career” quite by chance.  But then again, I am always reminded that destiny does not need a reason.

I had burned out on several occasions in massage therapy.  Flying would only be a temporary respite.  But it kept calling me back.  What is it about leaving terra firma, rising above the clouds and almost touching heaven that made my heart sing?  What was so familiar about all this?

In quiet contemplation one day, I realized that I had made a commitment to serve this lifetime in whatever fashion and however humble it may be.  Among my many responsibilities as a flight attendant is the traveling public’s safety and well being.  Post 9/11, I have noticed an increased level of stress and apprehension on the part of some travelers:  Fear. White-knuckles gripping the armrest.  Sometimes profuse sweating.  Dread and fear of flying. 

Perhaps because of my past experience in the healing profession, I seem to have a knack for calming and reassuring these frightened souls.  Although I am speaking with them very calmly as if to distract them, I am also having an inner conversation with them on another level.  I am reminding them that:  I made a commitment to accompany you;  I will not abandon you; I will travel with you to your destination; you will not be alone; and above all, you will be safe; and I will take care of you; I promise.   By the end of the flight, they may still dislike flying, but they will have overcome a certain degree of fear and have gained some self confidence. 

For eighteen years the sky has been my home. 

I often tell myself:  to serve another human being is, in essence, to serve God.  My journey home has taken many twists, turns and detours.  But as long as I remember to honor my commitment to you, my fellow travelers, I will always be happy in knowing that my career is also in service to God.

© 2007 Sylvia John

From the book Conscious Women Conscious Lives: Transformational Stories of Finding and Living True Vocation

Compiled and Edited by Darlene Montgomery

Darlene is collecting stories for her the fourth in series, Conscious Women Conscious Mothers. If you have a story you wish to share contact Darlene at lifedreams@idirect.com.  For more on Conscious Women Conscious Lives and other books by Darlene Montgomery visit www.lifedreams.org.