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Good morning. Human fascination with flight goes back to the story of Icarus, but it became more of a practical possibility after the Wright brothers’ first powered flight (on this day) in December 1903. Much of our modern history is shaped by the development of aircraft, first in exploration and mapping out the world, then as a weapon of war in territorial conflicts, and more recently as a means of transport for people to travel across the globe. Once there was a certain glamour attached to it, but with the arrival of cut-price airlines and increasing security concerns following 9/11, perhaps something of that has been lost. And now the airline industry has been severely curtailed by Coronavirus restrictions and big questions are being asked of its future.

One of the great attractions of flying above the clouds is the sense of perspective it gives, seeing for a time what the world looks like from above, a perspective previously permitted only to God. Part of that fresh perspective now is the realisation that air travel contributes significantly to carbon emissions and the warming of the planet. This means that in planning for the future, aircraft will need to become more efficient and human beings more disciplined about the amount of flying we do. ‘When I consider the heavens, the work of your hands…. What are human beings that you are mindful of them?’ asks the psalmist. And I guess today’s answer might be, people who use this perspective to ensure that we preserve the earth and the heavens for future generations to enjoy.

Creator God, The heavens tell of your glory and the earth proclaims your handiwork; help us in our travelling not just to be sight-seers but preservers of vision, so that we do what is needed to sustain your creation; for Christ’s sake, Amen.