Flying High/And it's not Cocaine

Flying High

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
                                                                              ...Isaiah 53:5


It was almost magic, as if the children’s dreams were towering the sky, right along with their theatrical presentation of floating designs.  The winds rush the kites up and onward, while embracing the colorful creative shapes.

Flying Kites has always been a favorite pass time of children all over the world.  Brazilian children especially come up with innovative ways to make a kite from paper bags to newspapers, to anything lightweight in nature.  The richest child to the poorest could own the sky for a few hours of pleasure while flying kites. The heavens note not the status of those who fly kites.

In the small town of Pouso Alegre, M.G. Brazil, we had taken our six-year-old to fly her kite as promised.  We found property where we could do just that, right outside of town.  Bill did everything to keep April's kite in the sky, but it desperately needed a tail.  Nothing was found to serve that purpose so we began to walk back to the car.  Disappointment was felt by all----Bill, April, one year old Bobby and me.
Then I remembered," Hey, I have nylons on!  That might work!" 

Just having a couple of pairs brought from the states, it was very hard to let go; to sacrifice for the soul purpose of flying a kite.  It was definitely a hard decision to make for a moment, but only a moment, after seeing April's face light up.  Taking my USA nylons off in the middle of the field and knotting them up took courage.  Bill helped April toss the kite to the wind and take off running.  Up it went, but this time it stayed.  We all watched with delight as it towered overhead.  Bobby was ecstatic with the sight of this colorful activity in the sky.  It was worth the letting go of the hosiery for the joy it brought our 7 year old.

We call these acts sacrifices, when in reality they are what should be expected everyday, the giving of ourselves.  I was caught in a moment that day, a rare form, of me thinking of someone else.  What we think are sacrifices, are really self-less acts of memory making, to show someone we care.  Most of us do not know what true sacrifice really is.

Self-less acts can make a big difference and maybe even help turn someone's life around.  Make a memory, not for the whole world to see, but for your heart to feel alive.  What self-less act will you do for someone today?  Talk about flying high!

Real sacrifice is what Christ did.  If you don't know Jesus, call on His name and your heart will be so light after burdens have been lifted, that you will feel like soaring right along with the kites.  He alone can lift away your burden of sin.