In the city where we now lived, kite-flying has been a common sight as the Independence Day of India is approaching. Young men and children throng the few open spaces available in the city.
The country’s artist and composers are hugely inspired by the man-made flying object – the Kite. The Hindi word ‘Udaan’, which can be loosely translated in its Verb form as ‘to soar, to fly or flying’ has been mostly associated with positive inspirations.
In villages and country-side, there are lots of people who do not have the chance to get a glimpse of the modern airplanes. Although most of fed ourselves, sleep and enjoyed the luxury of the flying object. For many, it is still a distant dream.
One evening and as usual, we were strolling for our evening walk in the park nearby. There are few boys flying a kite but two boys catch my attention as I’d sit down in the corner and watch them enjoying.
By their appearance, one seems to be younger who follow the command of the older boy. Orientation of understanding the hierarchy doesn’t seem to be needed, or they already it, that I don’t know. However, they are blending quite well. They work together like a good team.
And as I watched them, their effort paid off after several attempts. They are running the kite with excitement as the kite began to soar higher and higher. In gaiety, they looked around their friends proudly. It is hard to put in words, how happy they when they saw the kite soaring, from their very own hands. It is a great achievement for them.
Now they wanted to do something by winding the reel, as they are confident their kite wouldn’t simply go down. They tangled the reel with the nearby kite and successfully cut the reel of another kite. The other kite runner eventually lost control of his kite, which started to dwindle in the sky following the current of the wind. They are nor more connected.
As darkness gradually descended, the boys are hesitant to let go of their flying kite. They simply don’t want to take down the flying kite. I saw them tying the reel in one of the bench so that the kite will soar on its own. Now they headed towards the gate of the park, as it was time for them to go home.
They had just reached the gate, when they came back running. At this instance, I could see their dilemma and enquired their next step. The boys are shivering as they felt too connected. And they told me, they are afraid it might get lost or either way it might not fly for long before it was grounded by the wind. More so, someone might take it home, they said.
So they took down the flying kite slowly, handled with care, and took it home. Safely in their arms, they held the kite when they make their way out of the park. In the process, it can be seen they have great pleasure in taking home their favorite possession.
Several thoughts strike me as I make my way out of the park too:
One, it is in our natural instinct to be wanting to soar one day, at least achieved something, like the other creatures of God. Some of us succeeded while others did not. It is in the hands of God.
Two, in everything there needs to a leader and it emerges out when needed. A guide, who provided valuable insights and a shoulder to cry on, when needed.
Three, we tend to hurt someone nearby when achieving and enjoying our goals, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Four, to our God we are His prized possession saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. He takes pride in us being in Him.
Five, our God full of grace, wanted to stay connected with His creature, in this context, like the Kite Runner. Six, our God would never leave us midway in our journey. He let us enjoy the soaring and He will take care of each one of us.
Last and more importantly, when our flying time was over, when our journey comes to an end, Our God will take us home safely in His loving arms. Especially, to those who believed in the salvation through his own Son!
