Free as a bird – we say that because a bird is not stuck to the ground but can take off and fly wherever its wings will carry.

Inspired by birds men have created flying devices. The Chinese have understood that hot air rises and have applied this principle to a type of small hot air balloon called “sky lantern”. In Europe various designs of flying machines were attempted in the 17^th century, but it took two more centuries to get to the powered, controlled flight pattern that we are familiar with today.

Sophisticated technology gave mankind wings; however, have you ever noticed that our souls, too, crave freedom from gravity? As problems weigh us down and sore disappointments crush us, we want to escape such turmoil by spreading our wings and fly. On this note, in the book of Psalms King David wrote (Psalm 55:5-6):

“Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.’”

We are not meant to be held down. Our Creator has designed our souls to soar. Whether looking down on people or constantly mulling over a problem – looking down is the wrong approach; we are created to look up. Calling on the Lord is the most natural thing to do.

God’s intention is to lift our spirits and reunite us with Him. Returning to Him is our takeoff. Under the shadow of His wings we soar.