Go Fly a Kite!

A few months back, we found ourselves on the beach of Treasure Island, Florida with our oldest daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and our son. We had gone down for a conference in Daytona, then rode our motorcycles across the state, and met “Baby Abe” for a few days of enjoyment.

Upon waking one morning, we noticed down the beach that some people were flying kites. Of course being far enough away, we had no idea what kind of kites they were. But since we are the curious sort (okay, we’re nosy!) we decided to take a little trek down the road to see what all the hub-bub was about. I’m glad we did!

Apparently they were having a large show or competition of some sort that day. Some of the kites were spectacular…and huge!

What I had thought was an octopus from about a mile or two away, turned out to be Batman! He was complete with Robin, the Joker, penguins, Wonder Woman (who happened to look amazingly like Betty Boop), and some Merpeople! There were other, smaller kites being flown as well which were equally beautiful. Spinners, flyers, tubes, all kinds of kites.

As I wrote this today, it started me to thinking that kites are a lot like people. Some are big, some are small. Some lead. Some follow. Some spin. Some are brightly colored, and some are plain. But the fact remains that regardless of what they look like, how they “fly,” how plain, or how fancy they are, they are still a person…and God loves them just the same as He would whether they did all those things or not. Because He MADE them.

He made you, too. He made me. The day we watched the kites, they were flowing in the wind so beautifully. They were flying thus because their “Kite Master” had a tight hold on them.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. ~John 10:28-30 (NLT)

Our Master has a tight hold on us, too. He never lets us go. Why? Because He loves us! He wants to see us flowing in the wind, just like the kites on the beach that day. As long as we keep our eyes on Him, that’s exactly what we’ll do.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.

Valerie Comer says:

October 21, 2012 at 4:11 am

Beautiful reminder! We came across a kite show much like that years ago on the Oregon coast. I never knew kites like that existed before. So cool.

Shelley Wilburn says:

October 21, 2012 at 2:18 pm

Thank you, Valerie! I was surprised at the kites myself…and that one really was an octopus! ;-]