For the first time in a long time, I agree wholeheartedly with SkyHigh.

Until someone has been a professional aviator long enough for it to "just be a job", they really don't know the entire depth and breadth of how flying applies to their life. Younger and less experienced pilots tend to have the romantic view, and older more experienced pilots tend to have the pragmatic view -- that's just how it is because one has to find their own way in life in order to determine what is important to them. I certainly identify with feelings and beliefs like Foxy is talking about, because I used to be that way, too. But, then I grew up. I saw the world. I did a lot of really cool flying. Finally, I realized that flying is just something you do, and it is not the end-all, be-all of the human experience.

To anyone who hasn't gotten to the point yet where the flying they do to put food on the table and a roof over the head (not the flying done for recreation - that's a different story all together), then you are indeed a lucky person. The vast, vast majority of professional pilots feel that way about their avocation at some point.

I love aviation as much as anyone, and it has been a significant part of my life since I was born. It is not, however, definitive of my personal identity, nor is it anything remotely close to a religion.