When You Don’t Know What Happened

In May, 1934, an Air France aircraft with six souls aboard went down in the English Channel.

There were no flight recorders or cockpit voice recorders then. And investigative tools were limited.

So nobody knows why the aircraft was lost.

And worse, the loved ones of those on board never knew what happened and why.

I think that’s the most upsetting thing about this, and other events in life. As if somehow knowing what happened and why would make it easier. Or even mean a way that the event could be changed.

But life isn’t that way. Sometimes I understand why things happen. At times, I may have suspicions, but don’t know for sure.

And then there’s the heart-wrenching circumstance when I just don’t know what happened and there’s nothing I can do to change it.

One good thing that can come out of a terrible circumstance is to work to make positive changes.

While that’s true in every area of life, I want to honor every person in aviation who has tried to make flying safer for all of us.

What helps you when you don’t know what happened?

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.