Follow the Kite

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by Dorothy Richards

Peter and I have recently returned from a few days in Llandudno where we attended the 'ECG Heart for the Nations' Conference.  We went with others from KMC and had a really fantastic time; a time when we could have time out with God, attending seminars, Bible studies, celebrations without the pressures on our lives which normal life brings.  We were able to pick and choose what we went to, but there was no pressure; we could attend as much or as little as we wished.

Now, according to Pete, no visit to Llandudno is complete without a trip to the top of the big Orme or a walk along the pier (this we did before returning home on the Sunday afternoon).  On the Saturday afternoon, we took advantage of the beautiful weather to drive to the top of the Orme, together with my sister and brother-in-law.  Gill and Bud also decided to come with us but, as they had other business to do first, we arranged to meet them at the top.

We duly arrived on the Orme and Pete felt that, as there was such a good breeze, he just had to fly his kite – he just happened to have one in the car (an essential piece of equipment when we travel!).  At this point I received a text message from Gill saying that they were stuck in traffic and would be a little late.  As there were lots of people there, I realised they might have trouble in finding us so I replied, simply saying: 'just follow the kite'.  As you can imagine, they were rather puzzled by this as they thought there would be lots of kites being flown and which one were they to follow?  Nevertheless, they continued on their journey, thinking they would sort it out when they arrived.  On their arrival they were very surprised to see that there was only one kite being flown.  They couldn't see any sign of Pete but they made their way towards the kite only to find it attached to Pete, who was lying flat out on the slope, insisting that this was the only way to keep it in the air! (That’s his story and he's sticking to it!)

As I thought about all this, it occurred to me that so often, in the search for God, it’s difficult to know which 'kite' to follow.  There are so many attractions which, on the face of things, appear to bring happiness, and so many alternative religions which seem to offer peace and security - but none of this lasts.

Had Gill and Bud got to the top of the Orme only to be met with dozens of kites, they would have been totally confused, not knowing which way to turn.  In reality, there is only way to find happiness, peace and security, and that is in the presence of God, living out our daily lives in quiet communion with Him and obeying His will.  The minute we resist doing what, deep in our hearts, we know God wants us to do, then we lose all sense of peace and happiness.  Only in God are we offered the grace of forgiveness and the security of eternal life – with Him.  Only in Jesus can we have complete freedom; and only through Jesus can we find our way to God.  Don't be confused by all the other kites which are flying – only follow God's kite!