The Sky Lanterns on Shifen Old Street were well over 1.5 meters (~5 feet) tall. As I watched them being lit and launched, I witnessed the excitement, hope, and well wishes from young and old. Seeing the fire fill the paper lantern, get lighter, and lift off into the skies was exciting. Each had words in the language of the individuals sending them skyward, hand painted in black with soft calligraphy brushes. As I watched the lanterns disappear into the grey sky, I saw the prayers and hopes of many flying into the heavens.
I stepped into the shop, thinking of what my lantern would say. Was it all about future fun? Would it be a mix of serious and frivolous? Later, I cheered as our lanterns flew into the sky. It was on wings, the fire burning bright, lifting it with speed, grace, and a jitter step left and right along the way.
Hopes and dreams are possessions of one’s heart and soul. I thought of framing it all in fun-filled things. Even as I did, I could hear the verdict of a wise man long ago: “What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it?” (Ecclesiastes 2:2) Life is found in the serious rooms of the heart that are reserved for love, beauty, and awe. Life grows in the deep soul wells maintained by springs of compassion, kindness, and care.
Prayer is more of a state of being than an isolated act of doing (Tilden Edwaards). My prayers and hopes are more than the words on the lantern. The lanterns rose with one moment in time. It is in my being in each moment that my prayers are fully revealed. Others may see it before I recognise the words, priorities, and values. It is told through my words and actions. It is shown in my responses to people and events. When I live in a state of prayer, balloons fly!
Our sky lantern burned bright, for a time. Time for more lanterns.
