Opinion

Gliding like gulls with God

Ruth Lilley has been watching the gulls flying over the cliffs at Cromer, and wonders whether we have a lesson to learn from them.

Earlier this month, I enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Cromer with family and friends. The weather was chilly with a mixture of rain, wind and sunshine, as you might expect at this time of year!  
 
On Sunday morning, I was walking along the cliff top, and the wind was quite steady. All of a sudden some birds came into view, and it looked as if they were flying sideways. However, what they were actually doing was catching the wind and simply gliding along with it. It struck me how free the birds looked. Maybe quite intelligent too - the birds seemed to have worked out that if they just catch the wind in the right spot, all they need to do is glide.
 
As I stood watching the birds, it was fascinating to see how they let the wind move them. They were not fighting against the wind; instead, they were allowing themselves to be moved by the wind.
 
The sight of these birds caused me to pause and think – why am I not able to be more like the birds? Why am I not looking to catch the wind and simply glide? One of the reasons is that I have never really been the sort of person who glides, especially with my flat feet, and I am just not very elegant!
 
However, that morning, the birds were gliding in a different way and their movements seemed effortless. So, would it not make sense to be smart like the birds and work out how to catch the wind in the right place and glide?
 
So, what would be the wind that powers me along? It wouldn’t be meteorological! Instead, it would be Jesus, my saviour, my friend and my guide. Allowing myself to lean in and catch hold of His strength takes away the need to strive or to fight against the wind. His strength enables me to trust even when the things of life cause me to blow sideways.
 
Instead of overthinking, the safer choice would be to look for where to catch the wind, knowing that I am where I am meant to be. Strong in the knowledge that I am in the right “part of the wind” and I am safe.
 
Today, I will hope to trust more and to be like the birds! I will hope to find the ‘wind’ and simply glide.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
 
The image of European herring gulls is courtesy of sharkolot from Pixabay.com

Ruth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

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