{Five Minute Friday}: Fly

Every Friday, writers, mostly women, link up at Lisa-Jo's place to share their thoughts on the week's word prompt.  Today, the word is: FLY.  We have 5 minutes to write about that word without over thinking, over editing and just enjoy the freedom of writing.  I've set the timer many times and I always go beyond 5 minutes, but I do try to write in as short a time as possible and that is usually anywhere from 15-20 minutes.  Ready?

{START}

When I think about flying, I always think of birds, not airplanes or kites.  I guess it's part of being a nature lover but ironically, I live in the asphalt jungle.  

Of birds, I am reminded of a leadership seminar I attended many years ago, prior to being posted as a supervisor.  It was a very enriching seminar but honestly, I don't remember much of what was discussed except for this vivid picture that stuck in my mind.

Image courtesy of Vlado @ Free Digital Photos

It's the perfect picture of leaders and followers. At that time, I've always been anywhere in the V-formation except at the very tip. And for years, I have always flown, drawing strength from my mentors, until they flew away one by one and I found myself nearer and nearer that tip.

When it was time to handle my own unit, I was ready to take the responsibility of being the "goose" at the apex, but everyone gets tired sometimes and I have also learned to delegate tasks.  In the process, I also learned to train future leaders by giving them a taste of what it's like to be there and everyone behind, following them.

Still, I cannot help but remember those who have gone before me.  All I know is that they have flown to bigger skies.  And maybe, time will come when I will also leave the flock, forget being a "goose" and learn to become an "eagle."  

Image courtesy of Tina Phillips @ Free Digital Photos

Life will give us opportunities and instances where we have no choice but to fly alone and test our own strength.  But I take heart in knowing that there is One who will always be my strength and that He will lift me up as I go through life.  I will never be truly alone.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  --- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

{STOP}

Won't you join us this week and share your thoughts?  See you!