Tuesday, September 18, 2018

The highlight of our latest adventure was a hot air balloon ride in the Tetons.  My nephew and niece arranged this for us with his uncle who owns and operates a balloon company in Jackson Hole as a thank you for coming to help with their new baby. Though it was certainly not necessary, since it was all joy being with them during those first few days---I am most appreciative. Isn't he precious!!

When communicating with Captain Andy about our ride, he informed me the weather has to be perfect.  No rain, no high winds, --in fact perfect conditions are necessary to drift into the clouds.  God provided the perfect conditions and Andy took us for a beautiful ride in the sky. Up - up and away we sailed in the early morning chill.   The conditions were so perfect that we were able to float up over 12,000 feet.  OH MY! In case you are not aware, there is no steering wheel on these balloons.  You are totally at the mercy of the wind currents and where they chose to carry you.  Down on the ground, there is a chase team following along to pick us up once the hour plus trip is over.  There are NO WORDS to explain how beautiful this experience was. We were blessed with a breath-taking view of the Tetons and the surrounding area while floating on the gentle currents of the winds. My only hesitation was the lack of control you have while floating along.  We all have heard terrifying stories of wind shears and sudden storms appearing out of no where.  And yet, we floated up and away and enjoyed the ride of a lifetime, in the capable hands of Captain Andy. As I thought of how thrilling this day was, I also wandered how many of us float aimlessly through life?  How many of us allow the storms of the day to dash us to and fro?  How many of us become stuck in dangerous currents and refuse to lower ourselves to safer places?  How many of us live on the cusp of risk and the ragged edge of disaster?  How many of us forget to look to the Captain of the Ship to care for us and keep us safe?  How many of us allow the world to control us instead of looking to The Captain to steer our ships?  How much easier could our journey be if only?
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