FLIGHT OF JOY
The weather predicted rain and more rain. The amazing balloon festival in New Mexico only happens once a year and rain is not what you want. But, as God would have it, there was a break today and the balloons were off. As thousands are up early, they are transported into a sky of magical beauty of hot air balloons from all over the world. And no, Kev and I were not there. Instead, it was Jake and some of his friends that made that weekend trip. But it did bring back the memory of our second wedding anniversary when we went up in a hot air balloon . We overlooked our new town of Temecula’s Wine country. We climbed into the balloon, smiling at the flight we were about to experience. And we were not disappointed!! When we landed we had waiting for us chocolate covered strawberries with champagne at sunset. Awe..new beginnings with so much to look forward to. We had just bought a new home, adopted two labs, and then adopted Jake. Twenty seven years later, four houses, three moves, a variety of jobs, churches, college graduation, and now our upcoming retirement. The journey wasn’t always easy and the unknown of the future kept us up sometimes. Like the balloon, a course is set based on the weather, wind, and best time to go. But, sometimes the best laid plans can go off course. And a new path is made. It can be scary…unless you know the one who’s controlling it. One of the scariest part of a balloon ride is the landing. If you come in too fast you can be thrown out. Or, you can land in someones tree!! A safe landing is made when the controller knows how to see the signs and the right path and then safely lands the ballon. Fortunately for us, we did have a safe landing…enough that we would go back again. Jake and his friends are just starting out whereas we are coming to the last chapter of our journey. Our advice? ( even if you didn’t ask for it!) No matter what the path looks like, you can be assured of a safe landing if you trust Jesus to lead you. Don’t be afraid to get into the balloon..He loves you and will make sure you find your path of JOY…