Let's Go Fly A Kite!

On our trip to Muriwai Beach I flew my kite on the shores of the Tasman sea.  I've flown this same little kite all over the world.  It has gone with me to places by the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific, and even the Red Sea.  Now I am here, flying new adventures.

Once upon a time I was a collector of kites.  I had many different kinds, all shapes, sizes and colors.  When we did the great purge of our last downsize in preparation for our mission, I got rid of most of my kites.  I kept a couple special ones.   But most have found new homes.   This little para-sail that I have always used as my go-to travel kite is among my favorites because I can easily cram it into small spaces and it has no sticks to break.

Whenever I fly this (or any) kite, I am reminded of the talk given by Patricia Pinnegar in the October 1999 Conference.  As part of that talk she told a story about a young boy who went kite flying with his father and the parallel the experience has to the gospel.  The story went like this:

"The boy was very young. It was his first experience with kite flying. His father helped him, and after several attempts the kite was in the air. The boy ran and let out more string, and soon the kite was flying high. The little boy was so excited; the kite was beautiful. Eventually there was no more string left to allow the kite to go higher. The boy said to his father, “Daddy, let’s cut the string and let the kite go; I want to see it go higher and higher.”

His father said, “Son, the kite won’t go higher if we cut the string.”

“Yes, it will,” responded the little boy. “The string is holding the kite down; I can feel it.” The father handed a pocketknife to his son. The boy cut the string. In a matter of seconds the kite was out of control. It darted here and there and finally landed in a broken heap. That was difficult for the boy to understand. He felt certain the string was holding the kite down.

The commandments and laws of God are like the kite string. They lead us and guide us upward. Obedience to these laws gives us peace, hope, and direction."

As a full time missionary representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are certain rules and guidelines I am expected to follow.   I am not here in New Zealand on vacation for a grand adventure.  Yes, I do have the opportunity to have some leisure days when we get to do a bit of sight seeing, as we did today.   But I am very clear what my main purpose here is...

 Even though our assignment is not proselytizing, I am very conscious that everything I do or say should be aimed at that overall purpose.  I want to be sure that I am obedient in all things, and living close to the spirit so that I can be guided to serve the way my Father in Heaven would have me serve.  I want my example and my efforts to be such that I might strengthen those in need of encouragement and enlighten those in need of a new direction.  I want more than anything to make a difference that matters for good.  That is why I am on this mission. 

The rules I follow do not bind or chafe or hold me back.  They help me soar, like my kite.