Earlier this week I was one of sixteen people who met at Worcester Racecourse at six in the morning. Apart from the couples we were all strangers. We were greeted by a man we didn’t know who after a brief introduction mobilised all of us to assist him. After helping spread out the fabric of a giant hot air balloon I got the grand job, with another chap, of holding the balloon open so that air could be blown into it. The air was then heated, and the balloon rose majestically into the air.
Task One: Spread the balloon out on the ground
Sixteen people, myself included, then climbed into the basket of the balloon and our pilot took us up into the sky above Worcester where we then drifted slowly in a southerly direction at a speed of roughly ten knots.
Task Two: Hold mouth of balloon open to allow air to be blown in
An hour later our pilot was searching for a landing spot. Having identified a field in a small village he brought us gently back to earth. It was then all hands on deck to bring the balloon down onto the ground prior to deflating the balloon and packing it away. Everyone helped and the atmosphere between our group of mostly strangers was as incredible as the wonderful experience of balloon flight we had just enjoyed.
Task Three: Enjoy the flight (and look at the GoPro camera)
When you consider that most of us had met for the first time that morning the cooperation was astonishing. None of us seemed concerned about getting our hands dirty despite being paying passengers. We had landed in a damp field with nettles and evidence from livestock, but nobody batted an eyelid when asked to help.
Task Four: Help bring balloon to the ground
Why is it so different in church? It seems to be the case in most churches that a small proportion of folk are actively involved and don’t mind getting their hands dirty, while others behave like passengers on a cruise liner expecting to be waited upon.
Task Five: Help pack balloon away
Our balloon pilot could not have blessed his passengers with the experience of flight if his passengers hadn’t helped him. Mucking in was part of the experience and we all gained from the process of being part of a team. If we consider Jesus as our pilot, then we know that He doesn’t need our help. However, I believe that it blesses God and it blesses us when we offer our help without hesitation no matter how dirty or difficult the task may be.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23 NLT)
Incidentally, the balloon flight was a gift from my children for my sixtieth birthday nearly a year ago. I have only just had the opportunity to enjoy that gift. It was a struggle finding a date to arrange the flight as the voucher was only valid for twelve months, and finding a day with the right weather is an issue. This is a bit like the gift of eternal life – the offer is for everyone, but not everyone will enjoy the gift. I guess this makes it more important than ever that the church pulls together and does what it is called to do: love God, love people, and make/build disciples.
Final task: Enjoy a glass of champagne (or orange juice) prior to being transported back to Worcester (by road)
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
a brave man indeed—I fear I would need the champagne before going up David 🙂
But what a marvelous adventure…
David said:
It was a fantastic experience Julie. I am trying to persuade Marilyn that we should do a flight together. You are barely aware of any movement and it so peaceful (except when the burners are being used).
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
Yes burners… I’d need a parachute— might I add this wedding business over your way today is in a word in my mind a bit of a farce — sigh
David said:
Wedding? Oh yes, I do believe there was a wedding down south somewhere. Ginger bloke with a beard and a American actress I heard.
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
A joke
nataliescarberry said:
How cool is that! I’ve always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon! So glad you had a good time. 🙂 ❤
David said:
You should do it Natalie. You probably have fewer weather issues in Texas. For some people on my flight it was their seventh attempt with all previous bookings cancelled the night before because of the weather.
nataliescarberry said:
I used to see them in our area. In fact they used to pass over our house from time to time. But it has been years since I’ve seen any. 😊❤️
Jane Sturgeon said:
What a fantastic experience David and I enjoyed this post and your observations. So glad you had a great time. 🙂
David said:
Thank you Jane. It was well worth getting up at 04:30!
Jane Sturgeon said:
Ohh David, that is early. Did you find a magic about watching the dawn though? 🙂
David said:
Absolutely. It was one of those perfect mornings with a little mist lying low over the racecourse when I arrived. But I just felt blessed by the whole experience. I’m not sure what the kids will come up with next but I really appreciated this gift.
Jane Sturgeon said:
Happy Birthday David, this experience has such a lovely energy around it. Your ‘kids’ are thoughtful and adventurous, which is a great combination.
David said:
A benefit of having so many children perhaps, Jane?! Just one left at home now and he is due to go to University after the summer when life will seen a little strange and considerably quieter.
Jane Sturgeon said:
Ohh, I remember that change in life and it is strange. They still need us though and ‘cake’ parcels feature a lot. 🙂 I am sure Marylin has all the experience to cover those. You have sparked a lovely heart memory for me, David. For my Dad’s 70th we booked him a hang glider lesson and he loved it. We held back on his 80th and had a garden party instead. 🙂
David said:
We seem to have been raising a family for ever, and we have moved onto helping with grandchildren, which currently includes one day a week in Cardiff for one of us.
I am not sure about a hang glider but a glider flight sounds like a good option for a 70th. I shall start dropping hints!
breathewritersconference said:
This morning was our annual church clean up event, so your words are quite poignant. There are so many things to be done, and so few who show up to do them!
David said:
I wish I knew why church is like that.
snowgood said:
Love the shot of you inside the balloon. Can’t help thinking you’d like it at St.Johns Crawley, so many willing hands.
Mind you Roz’s sister and husband just had a great 2 weeks on a cruise liner and now want their own personal waiter full time!
David said:
Having served at sea and on ships that used to carry 12 passengers I don’t fancy being on a cruise liner at all! The balloon flight was a fantastic experience, although it was a little cramped in the basket.
Gary Fultz said:
I think I will send this to my kids and in the subject line put “Hint” it just sounds fantastic and sharing your experience was great! Thanks
David said:
Our kids are pretty good at surprises like this for big birthdays. The balloon ride was amazing and I really want to go again.
The peace up there (apart from when the burners are going) is incredible.