Recently, I was visiting a good friend who is now a retired pilot. We were discussing challenges in life. Specifically, when we face opposition and challenges.
He told me the story of one of his uncles who was a fighter pilot who shared a wonderful story. Most likely, you have heard the term, "getting flak". Well, he shared the origin of the word and that it is really an acronym for the German word, Flugabwehkanone which means aircraft defense.
He explained that during bombing missions, an aircraft will be affected by the "flak" in the air that can damage the aircraft. However, when the pilot recognizes the "flak", they know that they are over the target.
He added that the pilots knew that it was risky to be over the target but it was necessary for the mission. In order to collect intelligence and to know where the target was, brave pilots endured a lot of flak.
As I thought about this story, it resonated with me that when we face challenges in this life, it will often be a bit bumpy at times. So, when you are doing what you believe in yet are experiencing a lot of flak, you know that you are over the target. Maintain your mission and hold firm.
Whatever you are going through right now and if things are a bit bumpy, hang tight, and remember that you are most likely over the target. Also, many of your challenges in life pave the way for your next chapter. Stay over your target and remember that although things may be tough, you are stronger after going through the flak.
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