“The Gift of the Wind” impacted me the moment I read the title.
Many years ago I took aeronautics in high school because of my fascination with the magic of flying. I discovered that the resistance of the wind meeting the wing of the plane generated lift for the aircraft. WOW! Later, when taking lessons to become a pilot, I experienced that wonderful resistance as my tiny plane became airborne. I fell in love with the wind and its miraculous power to lift me into heights unknown.
Yet, I considered resistance as something that blocked me from getting my way. It rained on my picnic; someone threw my dolly in the dust; someone was ugly and rude to me; etc. etc. I would dig my toes in the sand, tears running down my face, complaining, whining and blaming that this resistance was ruining my life.
Consequently when I read “The Gift of the Wind”, I understood, as did Strong Elk, that resistance was the gift that enhances life. It grows me, evolves me, strengthens me, molds me “to reach the destiny for which the loving Creator designed me.”
By embracing that one idea, life has changed. Peace has replaced conflict. Thank you, Strong Elk. |