Contrary Wind

While waiting for his son to arrive at the airport the father noticed a pilot standing nearby. Curious about the answer to a question that had puzzled him for some time, he approached the pilot and asked, “Why do planes take off against the wind? It would seem that they could gain more speed for take-off if they went with the wind.”

Patiently the pilot explained that going into the wind actually helps by increasing the lift factor for take-off. In addition, tail winds are very dangerous because they hinder the ability to control flight. Contrary winds can be helpful.

Each one of us has likely often complained about things that are working against us. We don’t realize that sometimes that very opposition sharpens our resolve and forces us to increase our fervour. Although that is not true of every contrary experience, some of them can give us needed teachable moments and stronger motivation.

‘Contrary winds’can turn troubles into blessings.

Henry Wiebe