In a small way, the activity mirrored how we patiently try to raise our families and support our children, encouraging them to piece together life’s meaning.
With arms stretched high, the kids would launch the gliders skyward. The physics of wing and air would carry the planes aloft, climbing, diving, and ideally, gently coasting back to earth.
It was exhilarating to see the gliders take flight, the children sending the planes again and again into the air. Watching the kids’ delight, laughter, and enthusiasm was glorious.
“…Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:14)
With each unique flight, the children demonstrated their faith that wing and air would invisibly give flight to the glider.
“The wind blows where it will, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
There is a phrase rooted in the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola that is foundational to Jesuit apostolates throughout the world: “For the Greater Glory of God.” The Latin is “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.”
These words can inspire all of us who seek to live the Christian life – to keep our faith aloft. All the good we do for the sake of the gospel is a reflection of God’s glory. It is Him we serve.
Like the balsa wood glider, we are sustained by the wind of God’s Spirit, trusting the air of grace and blessing, love and faith. Exhilarating.
By the life choices we make, the love we extend, the forgiveness we offer, and the care for our families, we launch ourselves into God’s breath, His Spirit, ever seeking His will for us. As we watch our children mature, with trust and hope, we send them into the world – to make the world a better place, giving Glory to God.
Let our family prayer seek enduring confidence in the Holy Spirit’s graceful presence, gliding and sustaining all of our lives.