Blessings of Summer

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Continuing on from yesterday, the psalmist the one who guides us into places of rest, relaxation and refreshment also guides those who would heed his teaching and follow.

Robert Kupferschmid was an 81-year old man who had no flying experience. However, due to a tragic emergency, he was forced to fly an airplane. On June 17, 1998, he and his 52-year-old pilot friend, Wesley Sickle, were flying from Indianapolis to Muncie, Indiana. During the flight, the pilot slumped over and died at the controls. The Cessna 172 single-engine plane began to nose-dive and Kupferschmid grabbed the controls. He got on the radio and pleaded for help.

Nearby were two pilots who heard the call. Mount Comfort was the closest airport, and the two pilots gave Kupferschmid a steady stream of instructions of climbing, steering, and the scariest part: landing. The two experienced pilots circled the runway three times before this somewhat frantic and totally inexperienced pilot was ready to attempt the landing.

Emergency vehicles were called out and ready for what seemed like an approaching disaster. Witnesses said the plane's nose nudged the centre line and bounced a few times before the tail hit the ground. The Cessna ended up in a patch of soggy grass next to the runway. Amazingly, Kupferschmid was not injured. He listened and followed those instructions as if his life depended on it--and it did.

The Psalmist ,David, demonstrated a living faith in the Lord because his trust was in God. He was not alarmed by the arrows that fly by day, nor the terrors that stalk at night... despite the distressing dangers he faced, including his own death. The confidence he displayed is reflected in this verse. In many ways it’s taking the beside-water experience into each path of life.

O God our protector,

we trust in you for safety,

we depend on you for all we need;

all good things come from you—

we commit our future into your hands:

Guide us by day and teach us by night,

be near us so that nothing can shake us,

make us always aware of your presence,

show us the path that leads to life,

let your Spirit fill us with joy,

and let your service be our delight for ever. Amen.