As a small boy, I treasured three things that were given to me as presents by my parents: a globe of the world, a gyroscope and a kite. These possessions in their own way held within them a mystery.

To try to comprehend the vastness of the world spinning in space and the wish to travel to exotic-sounding places held a great attraction.

 To try to comprehend the spinning gyroscope that defied gravity held a deep fascination and wonder.

 To try to keep a kite flying in the skies brought a delightful joy but was a great test of patience for a small boy.

Of the three, the thrill of holding on to the strings of a kite was perhaps the most challenging and exciting. It was difficult enough to get the kite off the ground, let alone keeping it soaring, turning and flying in the sky. It is difficult to catch the wind whilst holding on to the strings, but with practice and years brings a certain technique and skill.

Prayer too takes lots of practice and hard work until we find ourselves soaring aloft with joy. We need to hold on tight to the strings of doctrine whilst allowing the wind of the Holy Spirit to keep us flying.

“ The soul of the Christian needs to be refined and sensitive, to have sensibility and wings, to be constantly in flight and to live in dreams, to fly through infinity, among the stars, amidst the greatness of God, amid silence.” St Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia.

 

Nettle soup ( final part 3 )

St Columba, having given instruction that the monks should also consume the fine nettle and milk soup, the cook had now to prepare large amounts in the cauldron. Within a short time, the cook had no milk and had to confess his disobedience to the saint. After a moment of surprise, St Columba burst into laughter saying “It is God’s joke against me. It was my pride that persuaded me to tell others of my diet.” After this, the saint ordered that all monks should eat nutritious meals.

 

The Kite

 

John 3:8 “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

  

Look upward to the sky

And allow your wings to fly

Upon the glorious breath of God

In the sunrise of your youth.

Soar swiftly with an eagle’s strength,

Measure the height, breadth, depth and length.

Reach heavenward, dear son by the sacramental

strings on earth,

Hold firm to the lifeline and anchor of new birth.

Let the Holy Spirit lift you high

And allow your wings to fly

Upon the glorious breath of God

In the sunrise of your youth.

 

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 Amma Syncletica said, “In the beginning, there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God and, afterwards, ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire. At first, they are choked with smoke and cry, until they obtain what they seek. As it is written, “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:24); so we also must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.”