A few years ago, my husband, a private pilot, took me on a Christmas flight to enjoy a few of the Christmas Light displays in the area. We took off on runway 30 from the Marshall Municipal Airport, veered a bit to the left, and my husband said, “I believe Brookings is this way,” pointing in front of us. We flew quietly through the night, looking at the snow-covered ground and ice-covered lakes reflecting the twinkle of lights on farm sites and towns as we passed, noting the small icehouse communities on area lakes.

When we arrived in Brookings, we circled the display at McCrory Gardens at altitudes between 2,000 and 5,000 feet above the ground, enjoying the creativity of their work. As we circled the display the last time, my husband said, “Willmar, I believe is this way,” pointing off in the distance.

Once again, without plotting a course, we flew peacefully in the cloudless night towards Willmar; upon arriving, we circled the light display on Robbins Island. Once more, we pointed our plane in an approximate direction and we flew back to Marshall to marvel at the display at Independence Park.

My husband explained what we did was called a dead reckoning flight, a flight using the pilot’s skill of figuring out the course using basic direction, a compass, speed, and time. It had been a stressful time for me, and that peaceful, unhurried, flight to see the Christmas lights was exactly what I needed.

The holiday season can be stressful with the demands of work and family, school concerts, gift shopping, and preparing a perfect meal. Amidst all this, we may forget the season’s true meaning and overlook the simple things that bring joy, like a child’s laughter or reuniting with a long-lost friend.

It’s important to take a moment to appreciate what we have and slow down instead of rushing around. Looking at things from a different perspective, like from 5,000 feet above the ground, we realize how fortunate we are to have our basic needs met and how blessed we are to have hope and the support of family and friends.

As we all hustle about the final busy week of 2023, I want to thank everyone for supporting the United Way of Southwest Minnesota. This past year has once again demonstrated the incredible generosity of our community, from the support of businesses and donors to the dedication of our Community Partners and volunteers. Thank you all for your unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.

Because of all of you, we can continue doing the work that impacts the lives of local people every day of the year.

From all of us at United Way of Southwest Minnesota we wish you all the best in the new year.

— Meg Louwagie is CEO of United Way of Southwest Minnesota