Resurrection, Ascension, or Just the One That Got Away

Last Sunday at church was the celebration of the groundbreaking for a new education and fellowship addition to our church. Our Pastor (my wife) put together a fun service of joy and hope. We had some helium balloons to use to add color and fun.

But there's always one that gets away.

As I stared at this picture I realized that there's a lot of symbolism in it.

• For us as Moravians it is the cemetery. That is where we go to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. We sing and play our trumpets and trombones and remind ourselves that death has lost its sting. the disciples stood among the dead- and they were told they wouldn't find Jesus there. He was among the living.

• It is also the Ascension. Again the disciples stood around looking into the air- blank, thin air. Again they were asked why they were just standing around staring into the heavens. He has gone. Now wait for the Spirit.

For many of us it may be the lost balloon, a treasure to the young child, or a lost dream, or just The One That Got Away. Like so much of life. But while we are looking at where our balloon or life or dream is going, all we need to do is turn around and there, waiting for us, behind us, are more balloons, dreams, life.

Today we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Turn around. Look around. Go another direction. We do not look ahead to a glorious past or an enriching history. We must look to where the Spirit is leading. For you, your church, your family, your friends, your extended faith community- look. Listen. Be ready.