I remember rocket launches when I was young. Cape Canaveral. Always on TV or the Radio, never in real person. I’m not sure what “T” means, but that countdown is very familiar. Well. It actually means Time and the minus is until launch, and then it becomes T-Plus…
It helps to separate the count-down from the count-up.
Somewhere in the midst of the count they will give announcements as to exactly what’s happening. Ignition. All engines firing. Lift Off!
Today, I feel like I’m getting everything ready to launch and return home. You know, bags packed, money ready, good-byes said, and the way mapped back to the Northwest. Fastest. Slowest. Best….
Pause with me and think about every launch of life you’ve ever had – new job, marriage, birth, drivers license… Did you feel like you were ready? Have you enjoyed the countdown to launch? Are you on your way now?
Think About It
Life is nothing if we are not preparing for launch, and anxiously awaiting that final countdown. Then count-up!
As the rocket pad shakes, and the pressure mounts, suddenly you are flying faster than you’ve every done before! From pressure you become suddenly weightless. Success!
Yet, somewhere along the way we’ve all had launches that failed. Miserably. Something was wrong. Something went wrong. Suddenly you are miserable, hoping you can straighten it out so you can make the next move.
Think about the Apostle Paul as he was headed for Rome to plead his case to the highest authority of the land. The launch had happened and for many days they had been journeying. But a pause happened. Fair Havens. Suddenly, Paul gives them fair warning.
“…Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.”
Acts 27:10 (KJV)
He advised them to hold off. But they launched anyway. He’s along for the ride. Launching with folks not prepared, having a suggestion but ignored!
Perhaps that’s the worst place you can be! Not in charge! Yet, in charge you affect the lives of so many others.
You can warn and spread your news, but unless you are in charge, you have only the “sky is falling” routine as your voice. If you are in charge, you must think of others and how your decision applies.
Countdown… T-Minus 10… Focus. 9…Think. 8… Speak. Get ready to Do. Then, Count up!!!