Born to Fly

“I remember the first albatross I ever saw. …At intervals, it arched forth its vast archangel wings, as if to embrace some Holy Ark.”

~Herman Melville, Moby Dick

While visiting Hawaii, I was introduced to an amazing but very elusive seabird - the Albatross. With a wingspan of up to twelve feet, this bird was born to fly. Like a glider, it can soar for hours without ever flapping its wings! Incredibly, once it leaves the nest, it will continue flying non-stop for up to the first six years of its typical fifty-year lifespan. For the Albatross, to fly is to live.

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It is difficult for us to even imagine, having that level of endurance, not to mention being so single-minded in purpose. Personally, I wish I could be more like the albatross. Especially when I am spending time with God, when my thoughts, like butterflies, flit about with no sustained direction.

Even though my intention, at the start, is to sustain quality devotional time, I sometimes grow frustrated having to refocus and redirect my attention to God. When this happens, I know I am allowing the cares of this world to drag me down, keeping me from soaring to new spiritual heights.

Nevertheless, just like an albatross who was born for one thing, we too were born for a single purpose – to love God. Through grace, If we do not give up pursuing God, we will gradually grow in a loving and committed relationship with Him. And despite our wanderings and wavering faith, the Holy Spirit will be the guiding wind beneath our wings.

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 grow faint.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

Mindful Prayer ~ Holy spirit, in this moment, lift my spirit far above the fray of daily distractions. Help me to remember my purpose and true intention - to love you with all my heart, mind, and soul.