Exhausted, astounded, relieving laughter chased away dark fear in a room in Jerusalem.  A huddled group had hidden there.  A stunned people had shut themselves away from the world.  A confused remnant remained, leaderless, rudderless, hopeless.

Did the door burst open with the energy of surprise?  Did Peter and John shout their news?  Did the women think, “We told you so?”  Jesus is alive.  Did they suddenly realize they had been holding their collective breath?  Exhausted, astounded, relieving laughter chased away dark fear in that room in Jerusalem.  And later, the Emmaus disciples returned.  Laughter, now from souls renewed with faith and hope, rang out again.

Weeks later, a wind blew through the Jerusalem streets.  A soft wind, a zephyr, heralding good things, good news, the growing power of the impact of the resurrected Jesus.  The disciples spoke, the crowd was in awe (mostly), Peter proclaimed the Good News of the Gospel.  The wind surrounded and caressed the crowd.  It was strong, but not too strong.  Perfect for flying a kite.

Christian faith erupts in these ways from time-to-time.  Burdened, one’s soul is suddenly light as a feather carried on a kite-flying-wind.  Saddened, the love of Jesus floods the soul and one’s heart is buoyant.  Cheerless, the Spirit whispers the Father’s sweet compassion, and a smile appears, perhaps a sigh escapes the lips.  The wind of the Spirit blows down the doors of the heart that would keep out the presence, promise and purposes of God in us and for us.  A wind perfect for flying a kite.

Rejoice, people of God.  Jesus is alive.  Let the kite of your soul fly.  Do not hold back.  Let it soar on the Spirit’s wind.  Let’s go fly a kite.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado