Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Turn Full Into the Wind


Ever watch a gull? They always turn into the wind to find the lift they need for takeoff. If they turn and run with the wind there is no lift over their wings. If the wind is strong enough takeoff becomes impossible. Even under the best of conditions it's infinitely more difficult for a bird to break free from the ground with the wind at its' back.

Why do we always want to run with the crowd? Whichever way the wind is blowing today, that's the way we want to run. If public opinion is flapping in the wind about the importance of training a child's mind in the finest Greek tradition, we all want to run that way.

If the latest child-rearing theory is to make sure our children are never allowed to encounter the fallen world into which they've been born... we're likely to get run over if we don't start running with the crowd quickly enough.

I suppose running with the wind isn't a bad strategy... if you're content to run. But for those who long to fly it's a recipe for failure.

God invites us to stand quietly... and then to turn full into the wind of the Holy Spirit, looking confidently to our Source rather than running with the latest homeschooling fad. And in that moment when we turn and lift our arms toward heaven... we take flight, rising gently at first-- then soaring above the angst-driven mob clamoring below like so many earth-bound gulls running, chasing and squawking after yesterday's stale bread crumbs.

Only then do we begin our ascent in earnest, climbing toward the heavenlies with amazingly little effort on our part.
We were never meant to chase after crumbs in the wind. We were created to fly. At least that's how Boompa sees it.

4 comments:

Rachel said...

WAAAaaaaaa! How did you know what I am being asked to do?
It is so hard sometimes, we can get caught running with the crowd and it can feel like flying, and we often settle for it. Unfortunately when we are asked to actually take flight it takes such a 360 it can leave you feeling disoriented.
Thanks,
Rachelmn

Shauna said...

I'm so happy that you're blogging!

Unknown said...

I love the phrase of not settling for crumbs in the wind..wow! I am just so happy you are blogging as each time I visit I get that little thing I was needing to hear. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom here. :)

Shannon said...

I'm so glad you started a blog. I've enjoyed reading through it. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. As always, it encourages me on my journey.
Blessings,
Shannon