Sometimes I want to fly away. To be able to look down at my life from above, to see the patterns and rolls of the landscape. Lately I feel like I lack perspective. I feel stuck in so many areas and yet like life is moving too fast in others.
When I watch the Durrels of Corfu I want to move to a small Greek Island and pursue in a simpler life. When I read Rosamunde Pilcher I want to live in Cornwall and write. When I feel stuck, escape often seems like the obvious option. Recently escape has come in the guide of pretzels dipped in frosting and bags of potato chips bought during Friday’s weekly grocery shopping run, consumed before Monday.
When I feel trapped, the tendency to run is strong but having no where viable to go has always kept all of that a fantasy. Because parenthood is hard, marriage is hard, life is hard. Just when you feel like you’re finding a groove the music changes again.
My kids and I studied birds in school this year and I remember reading about how larger birds use thermals, warm air rising as the earth warms during the day, to fly with less effort. They still have to flap at times and steer and bank, but with much less force. Some of it is the way in which their wings are designed, but always their instinct to take advantage of the air currents.
I was designed to fly, but not entirely under my own power. I need to learn to depend more on the favorable air currents to keep myself aloft, especially during times of difficulty. So tonight as my eyes grow heavy, I’ll again whisper the words of thank you and help. Tomorrow, I will rise again to face a day much like this one, where the daily grind drains me like water wearing down rock. But I can choose to soar, not in the frantic flapping of my own power, but to float on the winds of peace and rest.
I can choose to soar, not in the frantic flapping of my own power, but to float on the winds of peace and rest. Click To TweetThose winds will guide me home every time.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Indeed they will guide us home every time! Beautiful post friend!
YAY! I’ve been a fan of Gerald Durrell, like, forever, and Rosamunde Pilcher, too. I’ll bet you like Susan Howatch, yes?
Even in the midst of dying, I try to work on the aeroplane I am building (yes, a real one) every day. Because who knows, I might still survive to fly the thing.
And having a handhold on my flying future might just give me better odds.
I’ve never read Susan Howatch! I’ll have to add some to my To Read List.
well written analogy. Glad I stopped in. 🙂
A great reminder. Thanks.
Love this! I always feel so refreshed when I can get away. But that just isn’t reality, is it? Learning to soar, right here in the mundane.
There definitely is a draw to a simple(r) life. On a island. Until then, I’ll take the reminder to soar where I am. Still flying but without all the extra effort! Great!
You had me at the word ‘bird.’ ;). One of these days, I’m going to hang out at the Grand Canyon during fall migration and watch the raptors soar over. Watcher see hundreds in one day (close to thousands). I love the imagery of resting on God’s heavenly thermals!
I grew up going to the local Hawk Mountain during migration season. It was amazing to watch!