LAWN CHAIR LARRY
On July 2, 1982, Larry Walters strapped himself to a lawn chair, tied to forty-three weather balloons, and began ascending into the clouds. His plan was perfect. Holding a pellet gun, he intended to slowly shoot the balloons and gently lower himself after hovering over his neighborhood. Then trouble began. He dropped the pellet gun and drifted to a height of 16,000 feet, venturing into the airspace of Long Beach airport.
“Lawn Chair Larry,” as he came to be known, was eventually rescued, then arrested and fined. Regional safety inspector Neal Savoy reportedly said, "We know he broke some part of the Federal Aviation Act, and as soon as we decide… some type of charge will be filed.”
When asked why he attempted this foolhardy act, Larry replied, “It was something I had to do… if I hadn't done it, I think I would have ended up in the funny farm.” Today his lawn chair is displayed at the Smithsonian Institute.
Like Larry, we’ve all felt the urge for “something I just had to do.” And, like Larry, we’ve also discovered some things—like flying in a lawn chair— would have ended better had we exercised a tiny bit of discretion with those urges.
But there’s a positive side to Larry’s statement. We’re living in times when we need to take action. We realize there’s “something I have to do.” Romans 13:11 reads, “It is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up!” Paul then follows with these instructions, “Discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (v12). And “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires” (v14).” It’s time to get serious about our spiritual battle!
How does that translate into our lives? First, we immerse ourselves in prayer. We rid ourselves of our “pet sins.” We speak truth, when wisdom dictates. We keep our “spiritual antenna” alert for opportunities to serve. In every way possible, we “keep our lamps full” (Matthew 25:1-13), and shine in the darkness. Most of all, we purify our hearts and actions, and be prepared for whatever God does next.
This truly is a “strategic hour in human history.” During these dark days, let’s focus on Jesus, be ready for God to act, and not mess around with lawn chairs and weather balloons.
Principle: We are living in strategic times and need to take action.
Ponder:
What is there in your life that you feel “you “just have to do” and need to let go of?
What is there in your life that you feel “you “just have to do” and need to get serious about doing?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Romans 13:11-14.
Prayer: “Lord God, I believe you’re up to something—especially during these dark days. Give me insight to discern the actions you want me to take.”