The instructions on the package didn't exactly encourage use.
Always have water or fire extinguishers handy, and wear gloves and fireproof clothes. Never use near airports, roads, dry standing crops, or in places where lantern could be interpreted as a distress signal. Make sure flight path is clear of trees, power lines, and buildings. Remember each lantern is a potential fire hazard, and has to land somewhere. Enjoy!
Enjoy?
We worried about all the objects the green, paper lantern could drift into: trees, homes, the near-by fire station. We worried the wind was too strong or maybe not strong enough, and were the manufacturers serious about fireproof clothing?
But finally, we released.
Over Interstate 55, the lantern climbed, wiggling and wobbling until the black sky gobbled it up.
Worry is powerful and perfect conditions rarely arise. The wind blows, but not always the right direction, and often we miss out because we chose to wait.
Today I think about the conditions we need in place before we act, even in small ways.
I waited two months to introduce myself to a new neighbor, a neighbor who mothered a child my own child’s age. I observed this little fact as I sped by her house daily. Busy, busy.
What about you? Is there something you want to do, but you are waiting for the perfect conditions to arise? Let's hear it!
16 comments:
Quitting my job. I thought -- I'll wait because you know, I need money. But the Lord, so persistent, kept showing me the image of the tree I drew months ago. And I knew...it's time to prune. No more waiting. I'm quitting tomorrow. Prayers? yes, please.
Ok, holy cow. That's big. Tomorrow?
I want to give up worrying, seems I'm turning into my mother as I get older, and she is a constant worrier. I don't think the conditions will ever be perfect, there is always something to worry about, but I'm going to try...
Andie
Adopt a third child. It's not me, really, it's my husband who is waiting for the perfect conditions. I'm ready, but it take two, so...
Prayers this way also? Thanks! :)
@ Jen, I quit mine two years ago and never looked back. God will guide.
Oh, Amy, you've prompted me once again. You're always stepping on my toes -- in a good way!
I need to have that conversation. The one I've been waiting for the perfect time for...
Not only that, I need to pray for all the ladies who've commented so far -- we all have big, meaningful stuff ahead, don't we?
oh! love all of the warnings...too funny:) and yes, the fireproof clothing?!
i'm waiting to put the doubt and angst away and dig joyfully into packing, purging, etc. after all, this is an amazing step we are choosing b/c He is good and has called.
p.s. i very distinctly thought of you when we were driving back along I-95 and had to stop right there by the side of the road so our son could pee. As tractor trailers whizzed by shaking our car, I thought, 'is this what was going on around when amy had her baby?' oh my!
Andie,
Worry is a toughie. I never used to worry, but as I get older, it is something I struggle with too. It's easy to rationalize all the reasons we shouldn't worry, but it is so hard to actually stop.
Gaby,
Yes, adopting, wow. I guess it is kind of like having a baby. You want everything to be in place: money, big enough home, stable job, your other children, but then, you realize, nothing will ever be completely in place. That is something major. We are a house divided on that subject too...sort of. I would love to have foster kids, and my husband doesn't want to at all.
Laura,
I have two conversations I have been putting off, and just waiting for the perfect time too. The excuses are easy to make. Oh, not during the holidays. Not now, they have so much going on. I'm not in the right place. Glad I'm not the only one who struggles with this.
Abby,
I know this is an exciting time for you, and even though so many things have fallen into place for your family to go, I would struggle with doubt too. Also, glad you thought of me while you were on the side of the road! Ha! Yes, trucks flying by remind me of giving birth.
thanks for this Amy :) I am putting off relaxing and letting God control my career.
Esther,
I think that could be a theme for women everywhere.
I actually have no words at this moment...my brain is mush and I'm depressed so I thought if I visited all of my friends it would help my heart and it is. Just being here helps. And this is a very good question and I think I am supposed to think about this one??
xo
T,
What's going on? Email me.
I have some neighbors with a daughter. To put thing politely, I will just say I knew I needed to pray for this family. We are always friendly with them, and talk frequently. I had the thought for 2 months to ask to take their daughter to church with us on Sundays. One day, I finally awkardly offered.They said sure. We took their daughter to church, and she loved it. The next Sunday they weren't home for us to take her to church again. I talked to them a few days later, and they told me they weren't home because they were all at church together as a family!! Their daughter loved going to much, she encouraged her parents to go too, and they did. God is SO good.
BFM,
Great story. "To put things politely" yes, I know that one. . .
I cannot get away from homeschooling. I don't know if it's what I'm supposed to do for sure, but every time I put it away, I feel like God brings it back through a conversation, article, or radio show. Wanting to do the right thing, but a little scared of screwing up . . .
Lor,
You have talked about homeschooling for years, but I see why you hesitate.
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