To Fly a Kite

We recently attended an annual kite flying event that is held at the lakefront each June. During this event there are huge, spectacular kites and wind socks that soar and hover high in the sky whenever wind speed allows. The giant kite this year was an octopus whose tentacles stretched for 250 feet. Because of its immense span, it flew for a while but had to be brought down when the wind coming off the lake reached a dangerous velocity.

Precision kite flying is a focal point of this event. There are solo, duet and group demonstrations. The intricacy of these routines can be stunning. One particular presentation involved six kites flying in perfect unity. Before even taking off from the ground, the kites flipped up on one tip, as if to salute the audience. Then one by one each took flight, perfectly mirroring the movement of the kite ahead of it. Back and forth; circles, dives and figure eights were all part of the display. Grace and elegance in the sky describes the demonstration.  After the final kite touched down, the show ended with a final salute. It was breathtaking!

Gazing into the sky I could see the strings of the kites and was astonished that they did not become a tangled mess.  The way the kites wove in and out of each other’s paths without twisting and knotting was unbelievable.  As I continued to watch in amazement I realized that the key was found not in the sky, but in watching the men and women who were struggling against the wind to control those colorful, birdlike flyers.

Standing in a straight line, these skilled kite fliers were performing the exact same movements with an exact time interval between each person’s start. It was obvious that they have practiced these moves many times. They have drilled together so that each person can perform the routine and each person knows when it is his or her turn to begin.  There was no scrambling to change positions or to begin at the same time as another. Each executed their movements in a unity that resulted in a beautiful show. Each was skilled in adapting to the wind conditions and executing the show with no evidence of adverse weather conditions.

This type of unity is very important in the body of Christ.  We are given this encouragement many times in Scripture. “Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).” (1 Peter 3:8 AMP)  In Christ we are to work together as a family. As in any family each member has a role to play. When each fulfills his/her own role, there is harmony in the home. This harmony can be quickly shattered by bickering over desiring another’s position or duties rather than what has been requested of you. This bickering can destroy a beautiful work that God wishes to do through His family.

Achieving the beautiful outcome that God has planned requires loving and caring for each other. The apostle Paul encourages us, “And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” (Ephesians 5:2 AMP) This type of love walk can be truly enjoyable. The key is found in another encouragement from Paul. “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Some versions of the Scripture use the term ‘prefer one another’ to show this honor. In the case of this kite team, waiting on a turn to begin the routine shows preference to one’s teammates. Allowing others to freely follow God’s plan, while choosing to do your assigned task at the assigned time, shows preference to our brothers and sisters in Christ. This may require a considerable amount of working together, but the effort is well worth it. 

As we walk and work together, well-trained and showing love for each other, the outcome will be a beautiful display of God’s love and care to the world.  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 AMP)  The world will be amazed that even when the winds of life blow strongly against us, we can show God’s love and not get all tangled up with each other. This will be something that is remembered and talked about far into the future.

Learn your part well and stand side-by-side with your brothers and sisters. Be a part of God’s display of  love to all you meet.