The Sign of The Floating Lanterns

I just went for a run and I looked for the moon and said hello like I do, but I noticed these two floating lights to the east of my door near it. They looked like tiny burning fireballs gently floating into the air. It took me a second to really focus and get an idea of what they might be, and then I saw a third, possibly a fourth floating into view as well. I quickly ran inside to get my phone and when I came back out there were at least a dozen scattered in that section of the sky. My mind immediately went to Hope and our worldwide journey in a night to see the various festivals of light around the world. I took a picture and video and texted a few people and put my phone back. When I came back out only one (possibly two?) remained. As I walked down the stairs I realized that meant the release of those lanterns and my decision on when to go for a run had to be perfectly synchronized, as the whole display seemed to start and end within 5 minutes, the exact 5 minutes I was looking, in the exact location I was going to look.

As I walked down the block I realized this could only reasonably be described as a sign, and I could not stop smiling. As I ran I considered what it might be a sign of or for, but I got the distinct impression that the message was to keep doing what I was doing, that I am on the right path. I did not ask for a sign, it felt like one given freely in joy, and I am glad for it all the more for that sense of its meaning. Praise God.

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