Recently, while landing at an airport in another state, we encountered strong gusting winds. The air traffic control had given us the speed of the wind and the guests, however, as we were about to touch down a gust stronger than we expected picked us up and blew us sideways until we were almost over the taxiway instead of the runway.

After getting lined up over the runway again we started to touch down and another gust picked us up and once again we were almost over the taxiway.

We applied power, lined up again and this time touched down with a smooth landing. I made a call to a flight instructor and asked him if there were any tried and proven ways to deal with these gusts of wind that were stronger than expected.

He gave me a formula for increasing landing speed that was calculated using the wind and gust factor that would make it possible to remain above the runway for touch down.

We are experiencing strong winds and unexpected gusts in our country and personal lives at this time. Many people are tossed by the winds that they do not see coming.

Do you suppose there is a way to be prepared for these winds?

Is there a formula that would help us through and keep us on course?

These and other life questions will be addressed Sunday morning as “The Gathering Place Family” meets in the Washington High School Gymnasium at 10 a.m. for our Pre-Service Connection where we enjoy coffee, juice and donuts. Our Worship Service and Children’s Church then begins at 10:30. Come at 7 p.m. and be part of our Wednesday night Bible Study and Children’s Ministry on the third floor above Trends at 120 West Court St.