Sky Pilot: The Chaplain's Calling

The Sky pilot blesses his people. His prayers are from the heart. His prayers come from his soul. His prayers are given with all of his efforts, for who knows, the Holy One may answer! Fear is a two way street. The Sky pilot (chaplain) is sometimes just as fearful as those with whom he visits and offers prayer. His words are his heartfelt attempt to tell them God is with them, even in death. The parents at home are just as scared as the Sky pilot and the soldiers going off to war. All prayers are true to the Sky pilot’s heart and work. Whether the prayer is liturgical, extemporaneous, or mumbled, the Sky pilot still prays and still whispers the words, “God will be with you.” Prayers are offered for ALL WAR TO END. Even so, the prayers sometime feel unanswered and death seems to gain the victory. Yet, continual meditation and prayers are the way to victory for the Sky pilot and the soldiers and airmen. The Sky pilot wants the soldiers to find courage and he is sometimes the inspiration for others to go on, sometimes in fighting and sometimes in humble acceptance of God’s will and humanity’s will. Even the faithful Sky pilot needs rest and prayer, and so do the soldiers and airmen. Rest that only God can give. Rest to believe and to hope and to live faithfully in the middle of troubles. Sometimes service to God and to country supersede service to family and friends, even if the end goal may be uncertain. After all, no one knows for sure if one will reach the sky. At times, death happens and one soldier kills another and the Sky pilot has to find the words of love and care. Yes, it’s a holy mission for holy men and women. We need more Sky pilots. Will you pray? Will you help the dying? Will you love in the midst of hate? If so, you are a band of brothers and sisters called Sky pilots. Welcome to the Call and the Sky!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lroU7apzma8

(Eric Burdon and The Animals, 1968)

YouTube and Earbuds: Leaning Into New Technology

I must admit that the availability of YouTube and my iPhone earbuds have been a new and pleasant surprise for me in my on going needs for learning and enjoyment.  My 22 year old son’s love for YouTube used to amaze me and caused me to reflect on his fixation of its use.  I would commonly think to myself, “He sure does use YouTube a lot” …. “I wonder why?”   It is now making more and more sense as I have begun to use YouTube for my continuing education and spiritual needs around the topics of spirituality, faith, psychology, music and personal growth.   My cell phone plan gives me unlimited access to YouTube and that includes music and whole albums from generations past.     

Technology is a lot like the unwrapped gift waiting for me to open it up and taking the first step to learn something new.  That includes using my earbuds, finally.  It also includes wading into the deep waters of YouTube and checking out its usefulness.  Yes, YouTube is amazingly useful and a goldmine and resource of free information.  It’s a gift of modern technology that is ready for the taking and use.  Tapping into YouTube has reminded me, once again, that learning and personal growth are up to me.    Opening myself to new technology, YouTube and earbuds, have paid surprisingly good learning dividends for me.    My next step is to dive into audio books, and I am eager to discover if audio books are good for me and my needs.  Feel free to send or post your thoughts on audio books and YouTube.  I welcome your opinions on both.  Thanks.