Flying to God: An F-16 Pilot's Journey of Faith, Purpose & Calling | Tom Cedel

In this episode of the Spiritual Ninja Podcast, Jonathan Hewitt sits down with Tom Cedel, retired Air Force F-16 pilot, university president, educator, scientist, and lifelong student of faith, to explore one of life's biggest questions: What are we here to do?Tom's remarkable journey takes him from flying F-16s and serving in the military to earning a PhD, leading a university, mentoring future leaders, and navigating cancer. Through all of it, one idea kept returning: vocation is not about what you get. It's about who you serve.Together, Jonathan and Tom explore:• What it really means to find your calling• Why your purpose may be bigger than your career• How faith can provide a foundation during uncertainty• Why disappointment and unexpected detours may be part of your path• The connection between vocation, service, and community• How to listen to your heart instead of living entirely from your head• Why character and competence must grow together• The meaning of an "upright heart and skillful hands"• How relationships can help us stay grounded through difficult seasons• What cancer taught Tom about how he wants to live• Why life may be less about "me" and more about "us"• How kindness, service, and community can become a spiritual practiceTom also shares a powerful perspective on purpose:"It's not about me. It's about community. It's about us."This is a deeply human conversation about faith, purpose, service, leadership, resilience, and learning to trust the path even when life doesn't unfold the way we expected.If you've ever wondered What am I supposed to do with my life?, How do I find my calling?, or What is my purpose?, this conversation offers a grounded and deeply personal perspective.Connect with Tom Cedel🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-cedel-b9b5a87/Explore Spiritual Ninja🔗 https://spiritualninjapodcast.com/Subscribe for more conversations about spirituality, personal growth, purpose, consciousness, leadership, and learning how to live with greater clarity, connection, and freedom.#PurposeOfLife #FindingYourCalling #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #LifePurpose #SpiritualNinja #PersonalGrowth #Vocation #Leadership