Blimps fascinate me. They have for quite some time now. Their quiet approach. Their smooth sail. The fact that they are very large and yet have the ability to float through the air. They are a fun mode of transportation and through the cameras fixed upon them, they bring a bird’s-eye- view to many sporting events.

Years ago while living in a rural area of Ohio, the Goodyear Blimp would sail past our home. We lived near a main north/south interstate and the blimp would use that interstate as a guide. I often heard the blimp overhead and would run outside to glimpse the beautiful vessel. It was always a highlight for me.

Later, while living near Akron, Ohio, the home of one Goodyear Blimp, I created a Vacation Bible School curriculum built around the blimp. I was able to visit the Goodyear facility and tour the museum and gift shop. Those little gifts for the children made a huge impact.

I now live near Denver, Colorado and unfortunately, blimps and high altitude just don’t mix well. So, chances of me ever seeing a blimp here are pretty slim. When I do see a blimp elsewhere, my heart races…a glimpse of my beloved Goodyear Blimp continues to fill my heart with joy.

I could probably go on about the blimp, but that certainly isn’t my goal here. My goal is to show what God has taught me through my love of blimps.

They are Large

The Goodyear Blimps are 192 feet long, 55 feet in diameter and 59.5 feet high, with 202,700 cubic feet of helium and a gross weight of 12,840 pounds.

“Wow” is about all I can say. These blimps are very large. But I serve a God who is much larger than anything man could possibly build. A God who is larger than anything man could possibly imagine. And it is God who deserves my biggest “WOW!”

There’s a little children’s song that speaks to God’s bigness. Take a look at these words and see if you don’t agree.

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

there’s nothing my God cannot do.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

there’s nothing my God cannot do.

The mountains are His, the rivers are His,

the stars are His handiwork, too.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

there’s nothing my God cannot do, for you![i]

I believe the last little part of that song is where the lesson is learned. God is big and He can do anything…for me and you. It is His desire to be everything and anything for us. We simply need to acknowledge and accept Him.

They are Quiet

These large vessels are propelled by two engines, small in comparison to the blimp itself. Because of their size, these airships are quiet in comparison to airplanes.

There are times in my life when I need to be quiet and listen for God’s voice and guidance. God knew we would need times of quietness and He gently leads us in this direction in Psalm 46:10 (NIV). “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

In this fast-paced world, finding a quiet place in our lives may be difficult. But if we heed God’s word and allow His quietness to direct our path, we will find His peace and we will know that He is God.

They are Safe

In over 50 years of using blimps, Goodyear has flown passengers without any serious injuries. Some say it is the safest form of transportation devised.

I find great peace in knowing that within God’s arms I am safe. There are several images of God’s safety in Scripture. In Psalm 3:3 (NIV), King David spoke of God as being his shield. “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

In Proverbs 18:10 (NIV), we find refuge in God’s Name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

We find that God is the Guardian or Overseer of our souls from 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV). “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

And from Isaiah 41:13 (NIV), we can know safety because God upholds us. “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”

They Take Their Time

The usual cruising speed of the Goodyear Blimp is 35 miles per hour. However, the top speed for the blimp is 53 mph.

Patience is not an easy virtue, but it is one that God speaks to quite often in Scripture. Listen to these words of King David and see if they might be words you need to hear today. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7a – NIV)

Or maybe Isaiah’s words are what you need today. “Those who wait in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

Then there are the Apostle Paul’s words in this passage. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 – NIV)

Perhaps you need all of them! I know I do! I need to slow down in order to hear and see what God is teaching. Maybe you do too.

These are just some of my thoughts on the Goodyear Blimp and what God has taught me along the way. Perhaps you’ve learned something through this piece. I pray that God is teaching you to hear His voice and follow His leading. It’s exactly what He is doing with me.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

If I have piqued your interest at all in blimps, take a look at the official Goodyear Blimp website at www.goodyearblimp.com.