Let Go, Look Up: Purpose, Perspective, and the Passenger Seat

Some of life’s most impactful lessons aren’t learned in a boardroom—they’re experienced at 30,000 feet.

While working with a former employer, a man was given the opportunity to travel to New York for a client expo. He was hesitant at first—the idea of flying didn’t align with his preferences. But purpose has a way of overriding comfort. And so, he boarded the plane.

Excited yet uncertain, he looked forward to capturing photos during the flight. Photography had always been a passion of his. But when he arrived at his seat, he found himself assigned to the aisle. The window seat, the one he had quietly hoped for, was already occupied. The photographer in him was disappointed. No skyline. No clouds. No golden hour. Just the hum of the engines and the back of someone’s head.

But something greater was unfolding.

As the plane prepared for takeoff, he observed the ground crew at work. Each individual played a specific role, moving with purpose to ensure a safe launch. They didn’t fly the plane, but without them, the plane wouldn’t fly. Their silent coordination moved more than equipment—it moved the mission forward. That moment stayed with him.

Then came the acceleration. The laws of motion became more than just theory—each action produced a tangible reaction, something he could feel deep in his chest. In an instant, they were airborne.

It was then that a deeper truth settled in: he wasn’t in control of this journey. Not the route. Not the speed. Not even the seat. And yet, he was still moving forward—safely, intentionally, and powerfully.

Sometimes, God places people in the passenger seat not as punishment, but as a reminder. A reminder that arrival doesn’t always require navigation. There’s peace in surrender. There’s strength in trust. Even when we aren’t steering, we’re still being guided.

Upon landing, he noticed the same sense of unity at the arrival gate as he had at departure. Everyone playing their part, ensuring a smooth transition. The system worked—not because everyone did everything, but because each trusted their role.

But the journey wasn’t done teaching him.

On his return flight, he was assigned the window seat. A quiet prayer from earlier had been answered. He captured breathtaking images—no edits needed. The skyline, the clouds, the light—everything perfectly aligned. One of those photos now lives on InnerONE’s website—untouched, unfiltered, and undeniably divine.

The real revelation came from above. From the sky, everything on the ground looked small. The buildings, the roads, the worries that once seemed overwhelming—now tiny in comparison. And yet, from the ground, the sky often feels out of reach.

Perspective changes everything.

Sometimes, the only way to see clearly is to rise higher. To zoom out. To let go and trust the view—especially when you know Who’s in control.

Because your calling may not always come with control. But it will always come with purpose. And when God is flying the plane, the destination is already secure.