I’m not the best when it comes to flying kites.
The whole process of running and releasing a kite up into the air behind me? It’s just a bit beyond me. I want to look ahead of me and make certain I don’t run into something, or that I don’t trip and fall. At the same time, I want to look back over my shoulder and see if my efforts are successful. Has the kite taken flight?
But I do understand you can only fly a kite on windy days. Calm days? Leave the kite in the garage, right? When conditions are right for kite flying, i.e. it’s windy, there’s a certain amount of time when the wind and the kite are in opposition. The kite and the wind fight against one another so the kite struggles to become airborne. And then, in an instant, the wind lifts the kite up, higher and higher. It’s as if the kite and the wind are in agreement with one another.
How often do we pray for easy days? No opposition to our goals? Our dreams? Maybe we should pray to be more like kites. To realize the things or the people opposing us can ultimately push us higher and farther than we ever imagined. if we keep trying — if we lean into the “wind” of disapproval or resistance or struggle — we can soar past whatever is holding us back.
In Your Words: When has opposition helped you rise and achieve your goals?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”XcZat” via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: Beneficial Opposition http://wp.me/p63waO-2i8 #InOthersWords #quotes #belikeakite[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”o7cJ6″ via=”yes” ]\”A certain amount of #opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with, the wind.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2i8 #quote[/ctt]
Comments 10
I never could fly a kite, but that didn’t stop me. Kind of like Linus. And it’s always a struggle to get something up and going, whether it’s a story or just mowing the lawn. Great post!
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It’s true, Pat, getting started can be the hardest part — although sometimes writing “the end” can be a challenge for me. I’ve been known to rewrite my endings 3 or 4 times. (But now I’m rabbit trailing about story … )
I LOVE this. You are the master of great quotes AND good timing. This is my day to begin driving north except after months of perfect health, I’m fighting flu or something, headache & vertigo included. I’ll probably stay until tomorrow & then divide it into 2 manageable days w/ a motel stop somewhere. Changed game plan means new adventure with Him ordering our times and steps–which is always a great option. I think we’re the kite He flies and we dip and soar colorfully in the wind demonstrating Him either because of or in spite of wind.
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Oh, Dee:
I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Please do stay put and give yourself time to recover.
And I love the image that we are God’s kites . . .
Nice post and graphic, Beth. Kites always remind me of the kite-banning Taliban, and the intense joy I felt on seeing their downfall.
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Andrew:
I wondered what you would have to say about this post, Andrew, as I know you face daily obstacles in ways many of us don’t. An here you bring a broader perspective that I always appreciate.
It’s funny, we were just discussing the topic you call beneficial opposition at our dinner table last night. In the area of peers wanting our boys to slip up in some way (usually with their language), and how one boy has been successful at thwarting a peer’s hopes in this department.
You’re right. In real life, it’s unrealistic to hope for everything to come easily. The growth comes through the struggle. For me, last year was a story in learning how to fight rejection and cling to God in new ways. In the process He worked healing in my heart and I hope deepened some other areas in life where I’ve struggled. I never invite opposition, but I’ve learned to stop “opposing” it.
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That’s a great way to put it, Jeanne: Let’s stop opposing opposition.
🙂
Thanks for sharing this, Beth! It really reminded me of the purpose in all the adversity besides striving to overcome. You’re the best!
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Michelle!
How fun to see you join the conversation today — made me miss you, too! Hugs, my friend.