Flying

When I was a little girl my grandmother had a swing in her backyard, in the garden. It was two high posts, a heavy yellow cord and a wide wooden seat, wide enough for two small children, or to allow me to sit on Grandma's lap and swing. When I got older we would stand on the seat and swing that way, but to this day I have fond memories of trying desperately to touch the tree branches with my extended toes as I soared higher and higher. To this day the swings are still my favourite piece of playground equipment. Legs pumping, eyes closed I loved the "whoosh" of sailing through the air-it felt like I was flying. Even with my eyes open, at the apex of my swing I felt like I could see forever. I used to wonder what it would feel like to let go & fly off into the clouds. It was, it is, a glorious free feeling. I miss that old swing. I miss feeling that free, that purely joyful.
I have to admit I had a rough morning, filled with self-pity. I had spent the evening before out with good friends and we laughed until our faces hurt, but the focus of the conversation was largely focused on romantic spousal relationships, and I felt a little like the odd man out, and a little sad going home to my empty bed. (Yeah, I know "oh, woe is me" I get a little maudlin about it sometimes) I think what really made it rough was the friend I had been trying to convince to come spend a couple of hours with me the next day while my daughter was with her dad turned me down. He said he had other plans, and I was sorely disappointed, and yes, I admit, a little hurt. Ah, well. Needless to say that was ripe breeding ground for self-pitying thoughts and mental flagellation.
So, that's where I started my day. By the time I arrived at church I had managed to push those lies away, and was ready seek and hear truth. And that's where the memory of the swing fits. Yup. I chose to loose myself in worship, to seek peace and comfort in praise and adoration. As I closed my eyes and allowed myself to let go of the hurt and disappointment I began to feel an forgotten, but familiar feeling. It took me a few moments to pin it down, but there it was-I felt like I was soaring in the clouds, reaching for the topmost branches of the trees. Yes, I had to work to get there, but I was flying again, the breeze whooshing in my ears. It was glorious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx5Y9DhoLJQ&feature=related

I needed to be reminded (again) that "He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31)

I still miss that old swing....

What memory do you have of feeling utterly free and unfettered?