Often times, we, as Christians, get so caught up in following all the rules, obeying all the commandments, doing what we think pleases God, and being what we believe other people expect us to be, that we forget that we were given a freedom to be who we are, what we are, where we are...because of God's gift to us.
A dear friend reminded me of this by sending me the following story of inspiration written by Wayne B. Lynn. I wonder how different my life would have been if I had realized I could soar like an eagle; if I had flown my kite more often.
Freedom To Soar
One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check.
Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, "Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!" They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. "Free at last" it seemed to say. "Free to fly with the wind."
Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush. "Free at last" free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction.
How much like kites we sometimes are. The Lord gives us adversity and restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained. We keep part of the commandment and (pardon the pun) never rise high enough to get our tails off the ground.
Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve.
by: Wayne B. Lynn, Life, Free To Soar
5 Lover(s) of Home Speak:
Like this , just need to live it
Your posts always seem to have meaning for me. As I read your posts they hit home and make me think. This was no exception. I have never thought about what could have been "if only". I feel that is the reason I have not dwelled on what could have been. As I said. Your post make me think and in mulling over what I might have done, I do not feel that I have missed out on much. Maybe, I could have made more of myself, but thinking about it I wouldn't change what I have had....So many have had so much less. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, full of love for each other and those less fortunate....I have a truely loving, supportive wife, who has stood my me for 53 years and still going strong....Soooooo!, I guess you can say I have "Soared with the Eagles"////Stay well...
Amen my dear!..hugssssssssssssssss
crabby: I *know* what to do most of the time, but I let negative attitudes get in the way. This morning I read a status on Facebook that made me think of myself. OH!! Just remembered, I think your Janie Snelson's friend also (from Midland) Anyway, she had on her status..."I started to buy the book Power of Positive Thinking but didn't think it would do much good." I thought..."Yep! That's me"
Mr. Tap: Thank you so much for your input to my postings. I miss your blog so much. I'm praying that soon you will be rejuventated and re-inspired and start writing again. 53 years! You and your wife must be about the same age as we are. In December, we'll be married 54 years! Long time!! Come back to visit For Love of Home.
Angel: Keep spreading the word, Girlie!! and hugssss back to you!!
I like it very much!
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