Ready For Takeoff
GEORGE: You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are?
UNCLE BILLY: Uh-huh. Breakfast is served; lunch is served; dinner . . .
GEORGE: No, no, no, no! Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles.
– From It’s a Wonderful Life
I’ll tell ya; I gotta agree with ol’ George Bailey; there really are certain sounds that tweak my imagination and, yes, even my excitement, y’know?
It’s like last November on the return from my trip to Brazil. As the plane lined itself up on runway zero-six to launch us into the wild blue yonder (which I believe is the third blue yonder on the left), I couldn’t help but experience a remarkable dichotomy of feelings.
On the one hand, it was a kinda sad moment because it marked the close of a truly amazing experience – going to a small town in Brazil to help build a church. What’s more, not only was it something I’d never done before, but it was one of the most gratifying events of my life. And so I was understandably kinda sad as it was ending, if you follow me.
But on the other hand, it was good to be heading home. After 10 days away, it would be wonderful to be back in the sweet and tender arms of my lifelong love, the incredible Mrs. MZM. I’ll tell ya, because of my work, over the years we’ve had some times apart – some of ‘em long and some of ‘em short. But no matter how strange, or fun, or interesting the place turned out to be, it was always great to get back to the ol’ homestead and start life over again. It’s almost like a new beginning, in a way.
Funny how that runway could signify both things equally: a beginning and an ending. And come to think of it, it’s almost the same every time New Year’s Day rolls around, isn’t it? There you are at the moment, the cusp, the hinge between the old year and the new, sayin’ “so long” to all things past while simultaneously sayin’ “howdy” to the things to come.
Yep; a new beginning, a timely ending. That’s about the size of it, all right. Not that things from the past don’t carry over, mind you. It’s that sense of starting fresh, and new, and – well, it’s something we all like to celebrate, isn’t it? And rightly so, if you ask me.
So take a moment with me to wave your hat at the things accomplished and the things left behind, won’t you? After all, you can’t do anything about the past, now, can ya?
OK, now turn and put your best face forward, Bubba, ‘cause I’m tellin’ ya; judgin’ from the way the last year went, I think we’re in for one heckuva ride!
YEEHAW!
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8 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
This is going to be an exciting year, in the sense of the Chinese curse, I suspect. Looking forward to living and learning. Thanks for sharing this.
Welcome Back!
I know that feeling of having to leave, but yet anxious to be coming back home. That is a feeling that is hard to explain. When i was visiting my fiance in Germany we had such a great time, but I also knew the day would come that I had to come back home again.
You did a great deed in Brazil, and I know now you are happy to be back home. I just love what you post, and you know I look forward to what you have to say. You have a great sense of humor, and it’s always delightful to come here. Keep up the great work.
@Stephen – I hope you’re wrong about the curse thing – but I feel in my bones you’re right on target. *sigh*
@Paula Jo – Thanks for sayin’ so, and I hope to see you back again soon, Paula Jo!
I couldn’t agree more, 2010 *is* going to be one heck of a ride! But I love the take-off best of all in plane ride, I love the feel of the accelaration, how it presses me into the seat and makes the world outside the window whip past.
Fantastic! And now it’s happening with this year too. Can’t you feel it taking off?
And thanks for quoting one of my favourite films so wonderfully!
@Emma – Yep; I think we can all feel the accelleration, Emma! It’s exciting/scary/thrilling/frightening all at the same time!
Came up with the following early this morning…
If I wanted to live in the past, I’d build a time machine.
Somehow appropriate to what you’ve written, so, I share with you, and your readers….
Robert, what an incredibly beautiful analogy. Three of my favorite posts of yours involve airplanes with this being number three. I am so with you waving a hearty good-bye to 2009 (whew what a year) and fully embracing this new decade.