Aww, Go fly a Kite!

Thoughts on recreation with a purpose

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”

As I researched the origins of Go Fly a Kite Day I soon realized there were several days on our calendar that commemorate this particular activity. June 15 is the day that celebrates the vindication of a theory by Benjamin Franklin. The story goes that he and his son (on or near this date in 1752) built a kite from sticks, a metal wire, and a sheet of silk, attached a string with a key on the other end of it and then he placed that key in a homemade capacitor. The metal wire collected and transferred enough negative charge from the atmosphere to prove to Franklin that electricity did indeed exist and could even be harnessed and stored. How’s that for a father-son outing? 

Which brings us to the true and meaningful purpose of flying a kite. To most of us, recreation brings peace and rest. Flying a kite has become a symbol for respite and relaxation of the mind. It represents an opportunity to experience the presence of loved ones in a calm setting so that we can more easily enjoy each other’s company. It’s just plain good for us all to get out into open spaces and fresh air… To think more clearly and to relate more meaningfully.

Bottom line: Flying a kite and other forms of recreation/relaxation are essential to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being. I pray that anyone reading this will realize the importance of taking a break and spending time with family and friends. Proper levels of recreation and relaxation will positively affect every other area of your life, including your relationship with God.