Thoughts from above the clouds

I look out my window from the plane and see the clouds below. I take it for granted that I am in a flying tube up in the sky typing on my laptop. I recall the first time I saw a phone in the back of the seat (or the individual movie monitors) and was in awe. Now I think it’s incredible that internet service is available inflight. It won’t be long before I take that for granted, too.

It’s human nature, I suppose. We quickly get used to things. This morning, I look at the way the sun is beaming on the edge of the white puffs of cottony foam and I am taking in the beauty. It’s a vista deserving of a moment of appreciation.

My older son is an aeronautical engineering student and I have deeper appreciation for all things flight these days. I will never comprehend, but I send my silent thanks to all the engineers who have made my trip possible today.

Yes, I love the pilot for driving this flying machine and the flight attendants for giving me cookies (yay! some airlines still give cookies!) and my deep appreciation goes to all the folks who have had a hand in creating the adventure of safe air travel, all the nameless folks who have spent their lives as a propulsion specialist or some other aspect that we don’t even think about

Thank you.

Because of my son’s passion, I watched a recent space walk with awe and delight. The crew in Houston talking to the astronauts at the space station as they were out in space touched me. The methodical detailed instructions, the encouragement, the enormity of the task. Taking tools in space was something I had never thought about and now I watched in fascination and appreciation. The fact that we at home can watch it all is mind boggling to me.

My emotions welled as I thought that each person there had a specific focus and they all trained for years to be a part of this greater cause, something they believe in strongly. Those who travel to the space station, and those in Houston, are equally heroes to me.

So much we don’t ever think about, so much we take for granted. A moment of pause on the plane admiring the view before this busy trip begins makes me feel centered and grounded. Funny, since I am high above the ground.

It makes me realize that every day, in every way, a moment of pause, a moment to take in the beauty, a moment of appreciation will keep me grounded. No matter what they day holds, a flight or working at home in my slippers, giving a bit of thanks for all that paved my way is a great way to start the day.

So much we take for granted. So much to be appreciated.

Thank you.