the theological kite

Perhaps I would see this theological pursuit akin to flying a kite. Research needs to be done on where to fly the kite — what the weather and wind conditions are; what potential obstacles there may be. Then the kite — is the string strong enough to withstand the climate? If not, what measures need to be put in place? A sureness of the string, an adjustment of the ribbons, or even a different kite? One will barely know how well the kite flies till it actually does. (And the peripherals/physical necessities to keep the activity going. Can't miss out on that.) Getting the kite off the ground is another challenge altogether — can I do it alone? Would I need another hand to help hoist the kite, and give me some pointers? When the kite takes off, the string unravels with aplomb: Liberty! You live vicariously through the kite as it soars, dips, climbs, and dives — none of them in that order — a whole new arena unfolds before the kite, and you wonder what it sees. Even though you can't see the same, you try your best to wonder whilst your hand holds onto the reel. Release, reel in. Reel in, release. Again, not necessarily in that order. Yet you relish that tension you hold in your hand, placing your confidence in the string that holds both the kite and you together. You cannot expect the string to take on more tension than it actually can; yet you sense it well when the string seems to be telling you: Yes, we can. It really depends on how the wind blows, but the essentials are there. You meet other kite-fliers, and you trade tips and information. Some things you may agree, some you may disagree. But it's OK; we are all part of this journey of discovery. And you know that your entire being is involved — heart, mind, body and soul — not one part can be absent from the activity, otherwise the meaning is lost. And when you're done, you're exhausted from the concentration it took, yet the adrenaline rush from a good flight stays. You get better each time, although not all flights are great flights. But you're never done. The kite may need mending (or getting a new one), the string some replacing, the venue some variety so that new frontiers can be explored — but you're never done. What is involved always seem similar, but there's always a new place to go, a new experience, a new challenge, a new insight, a new amazement. Enjoy the flight.