Are You Catching Updrafts?

A couple of weeks ago, Linda and I were in Talkeentna, Alaska, at the foot of Denali National Park, and the foot of that giant mountain. Most people don’t know that Denali is earth’s tallest mountain from base to peak on land. Those mountains that are taller are part of very high ranges where the land surrounding them are at a much higher elevation. We started into Denali from an elevation below Chicago, so from our flatland perspective, and from the foot of the mountain, Denali is the tallest. 

We were there for mountain flight training in Denali National Park. All of the flying was in the beautiful Alaskan Range and always in full view of the mountain. I flew at 9,000’, flying over 8,000’ ridges, and between towering cliffs and peaks. The purpose was to learn how winds behave in mountainous areas and how to read uplifts and downdrafts. Mountain flying can be very dangerous if not approached properly.

The key to mountain flying is to fly where the winds lift you up, and steer clear of the places where the winds push you down. Wind speed and direction, cloud formation, and a few other indicators can give you necessary insight. In a pass, canyon, or valley, wind flows over the ridges, up one side, and down the other. So the pilot has to read the signs and fly to the uplifting side of the valley.

That’s exactly what we need to do in life. Our weeks, months, and years are filled with high spots and low spots. Life is all about navigating terrain. Most mishaps happen because we end up on the wrong side of a valley and subsequently battling downdrafts. Negative people, poor influences, discouraging voices, tempting surroundings. It’s when we are weak that we are vulnerable. And it’s in those times that we need uplifting currents. If you don’t pay attention to who you are hanging around with or what you are watching and listening to, you’ll get caught in a downdraft. Airplanes are not capable of out-climbing strong downdrafts…and neither are you. 

But 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises a way out for every temptation. That’s catching the updrafts. Filling your mind with God’s thoughts and filling your world with godly people provides the uplifting wind you need to get over that ridge or above those canyon walls. But you’ve got to find the uplifting winds and steer clear of descending air.

Do you feel like you’re battling some unseen force just to stay in the air? Cruise over to the other side of the valley. There are people, behaviors, and environments that will give you the lift you need.