Soar
I remember getting a call that made me feel so helpless. Sharing the details would involve me dragging someone else into this story so that's why it's slightly vague. I was basically put in a position where I wasn't able to "do" for my son like he needed. Details beyond my control weren't properly dealt with and my son was the one paying the price.
I was at work when this intrusive call came. It jolted me to the point where I had to leave my desk and find a quiet place to “collect” myself. I could feel my emotions overwhelming my logic. My indignation wasn’t righteous and neither were the plans I instinctively began plotting. My face grew hot and as I walked through the office I realized what I was collecting was a knot in my throat and tears in my eyes. I was collecting angry thoughts and playing out confrontational conversations in my head.
That's the problem with collecting... you soon run out of space and you're left holding weighty things you were never meant to hold onto in the first place.
I found myself standing in front of a big window in an empty workroom. I stood there for quite a while aimlessly staring when I was reminded of what an exceptionally windy day it was. I could hear the wind whipping violently as it whistled through the cracks of a nearby door. That's when I realized what a spectacular thing my eyes had been resting on: beyond the window and above the tree line (which was bending and changing shape) was a bird. He was flying. Actually, he was soaring. You may ask, “Why was this so spectacular?” Because he wasn’t struggling with the blustery day at all! He seemed to be exhibiting minimal effort as he gracefully soared through the sky. His broad wings were spread wide and he peacefully glided about the churning trees.
I watched him for a quite a while. Honestly, I was watching to see if the wind would shove him around. Kind of like how people watch us, too, to see if life is able shove us around… especially on the really rough days.
But the bird didn't look phased by the forceful wind. He was flying regardless of the strong gusts. In fact, he barely had to flap his wings at all.
In that moment I realized the Lord had something to tell me so I began to dial in. He told me, "All you need to do is spread your wings and trust Me. I made you for soaring."
Something shifted in my spirit while I mulled over His words. My heart unclenched it’s grasp on all the salty thoughts and emotions I had collected on my way to this window. I realized I don't have to fight the things that shove against me because I was made to soar — even in unforgiving weather. The issue in question was soon resolved. Not because I trusted another person to do what they said they'd do. No. It was resolved because I trusted God and His promises.
God designed us to spread our wings. He designed us so we would have to let go of the things we've collected in order to soar. Those collectables will only weigh you down and throw you off balance. Can you picture yourself now? Picture yourself releasing the hurts and offenses. You can’t hold onto them if you want to freely soar. I’m not claiming it’s an easy thing to do… but I promise it’ll be worth it.
It’s time to spread your wings, my darling starling, because you were made to soar!
“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
http://bible.com/116/isa.40.31.nlt