Up, Up and Away
The sky was still pitch-black when we arrived at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on the first day of October. Although I rarely relish being up before the sun rises, I did not want to miss the Krispy Kreme Morning Glow or the Mass Ascension.
Since my father was temporarily living in Santa Fe, my husband and I decided we should plan a visit to coincide with the 40th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The theme for the 2011 event was “The Greatest Show Off Earth” - and that it was. On a chilly October morning, we witnessed a world record being set, when 345 balloons were launched in an hour. Ultimately, over 500 colorful balloons ascended into the “Albuquerque box” that Saturday morning.
Cradled by the Sandia Mountains and the West Mesa, the geography of the Rio Grande Valley creates the unique Albuquerque box in early October, with winds at different altitudes flowing in opposite directions. The cool air at lower altitudes pushes the balloons in a southerly direction, while the warmer air at higher altitudes allows the balloons to reverse course. During the cool morning hours, these predictable atmospheric wind patterns in early October allow skilled balloonists to take off and land in nearly the same spot. Thus, Albuquerque reigns as the hot air balloon capital of the world.
I began writing this blog post during the final week of September, intending to publish it to coincide with the 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. But then Hurricane Helene blew through the mountains of Western North Carolina on September 27, and the draft languished while my attention turned to more pressing issues.
When the season of Advent dawned on December 1, images from the balloon fiesta again rose up in my consciousness. The Albuquerque box reminds me of the cyclical nature of the Church year. With the launch of Advent, we begin moving through the sacred seasons. Accompanied by the Spirit/Wind/Breath of God, we experience Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time, before completing the circuit. Then, we begin the cycle anew. Up, up and away!
Waiting is a theme commonly associated with Advent. Last year during this season, I was waiting for a number of things to come to pass. Looking back, I see clear evidence of the Spirit’s animation as I moved through the seasons of the Church year. I was swept toward some dreams as surely as I drifted away from others. Old longings have been fulfilled, while new dreams lift off.
What were you waiting for last year during the season of Advent? Did the Spirit of God move you in surprising directions as you traversed the seasons of the Church year? What longings were fulfilled? What dreams were realized?
Although we have returned to the same place on the Church calendar, we are not the same. We have changed since last year’s Advent launch. The people and places we encountered throughout the year have transformed us; the joys and griefs we experienced have transfigured our perspectives and priorities.
What are you waiting for during this season Advent? May the Spirit fall fresh on you as you wait, lifting you up, moving you forward, drawing you ever nearer to the heart of God.
