The Secret Lives of Balloons

Nearly every child loves a balloon. It is such a simple object, but it brings pleasure and joy. Why is it that it brings children so much pleasure? At best it is a diversion. It is temporary. In the end it is meaningless.

A balloon's life begins simply enough - it is a piece of rubber that gets stretched around air. All it does is sit there. It is nothing special.

The most excitement a balloon can possibly bring is when it "dies." The spectacular and sudden end of a balloon's life is its most impressive moment. Then it is gone - it's last cry a reverberating memory in the ears of those nearby. Children who experience the death of a balloon are often heartbroken and traumatized until the memory of the balloon is replaced by another diversion.

Of course not all balloons die in a violent outburst. Some balloons slowly shrivel and fade away. They slink into a meek existence, only to bring disappointment to children who encounter it. They wonder at its sad state, quickly growing bored with the balloon and seeking other pleasures.

Some balloons, in fear of either end, run away, looking for a simpler answer to life's woes. They flee for safety without any regard for their owners' feelings. Abandonment and loneliness overwhelm the child who clung to their now absent source of joy.

Why is it that children seek such temporary pleasure? The emptiness of these simple thrills becomes apparent to us as we grow older, but to a child, a balloon can be the epitome of pleasure. In reality, it seems as though we are often the children, holding on to the empty pleasures that this world offers us. We are surprised when things blow up on us. We are depressed when we grow weary of things as they lose their glisten. We are disappointed when things disappear on us and we are left empty-handed. We often put so much stock in the things that this world is offering us, but that cannot satisfy us in the end. As we grow in spiritual maturity, we realize that life's pleasures often bring nothing to our lives - they have been at best a diversion. But a diversion from what? From taking the perfect gift from the Perfect Giver and living a life of meaning. Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). This is a bigger promise than a simple balloon. This is a promise of substance and beauty. This is a promise of relationship and joy. This is a promise of intimacy. But as long as we seek after the pleasures of this world (humor/entertainment, money, status/recognition, etc) we are bound to be disappointed. It is only by letting go of the empty balloons we are clinging to that we can grab hold of all He is offering us. Don't get me wrong - this is not an easy choice. In many ways to our immature natures, the balloon seems like the better choice. The "balloon" is usually shinier at first. We see the callouses on His hands are realize that it is going to be difficult at times. A "balloon" will never discipline us for making a bad choice, but our Father will. A "balloon" will never ask us to do anything, but our Father will. But, a "balloon" can never interact with us in the same way that our Father can. A "balloon" does not care about your feelings and interests and abilities, but our Father does.

Will you let go of the balloon and take hold of His hand?