"Kites are very uplifting. They have a type of 'magic' that can be shared with anyone within their view. If you don't understand, just look at the upturned faces of people around you the next time you see a kite flying" (Kites to Touch the Sky, Wayne Hosking).

The exact origin of kites is not known for sure, but it is believed that they were an invention of the Chinese around 206 B.C. The Chinese had an advanced civilization with an awareness of how bamboo, silk and tools could be used for kite making, plus they had the written word to record historical events.

Facts and theories concerning the purpose of kites have become entangled in fantasy and myth. One story tells of a Chinese General who ordered his troops to fly kites equipped with noisemakers over an enemy camp at night. This so frightened the enemy that they fled in terror. Kites were also used to send messages to loyal troops some distance away. Some cultures felt a closeness to God through kite flying. Others believed a more mysterious view that kites "came alive" once they were aloft and that they had the capability of chasing away evil spirits, thus bringing good fortune.

After the invention of paper in 25 A.D., the art of kite flying spread from one continent to another. The early kites were rectangular in shape. Later, forms representing birds, animals, insects, dragons and men gained popularity. Many of the kites were works of art with intricate and elaborate designs and are collector's items today.

In the middle of the 17th century, kites were mainly considered to be children's toys. Isaac Newton flew kites as a child and improved on their design. He even attached a lantern to a kite to light his way home at night.

It was in the 18th century that Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous scientific experiment with a kite to prove that there was electricity in thunderstorms. As a boy, Ben used a kite to pull himself across a pond while floating on his back. The Wright brothers found the aerodynamic properties of the kite to be very helpful in the development of their "flying machine." After the development of the airplane, kite flying became mostly recreational except for some use by the military in the World Wars. The introduction of military aircraft made the use of kites pretty much obsolete.

Over the last decade there have been many improvements in kite design as well as an increase in the popularity of kite flying. With the introduction of synthetic materials such as polyethylene, nylon, carbon rod and fiberglass, kite flying is no longer considered "kid's stuff." Today, kite festivals and contests are held all over the world. There are awards given in many events (highest kite, steadiest kite, most active kit, smallest kite, largest kite, etc.). There are challenging stunt competitions for the professional as well as fighting kite competitions.

But there are also many people who take up kite flying as a hobby for the sheer enjoyment of it. Recently, on a beautifully sunny and breezy day , we had occasion to talk to a kite enthusiast and photograph some of his kites. When asked why he flew kites, his immediate response was, "It's totally relaxing. I don't think about anything else when I am flying my kites."

This brings to mind some Scriptures as to the child of God being "seated in the heavenlies," and how he is to seek "those things which are above." Such occupation does indeed relax the Christan, too, for the Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3). The mind being "stayed" indicates this is more than a hobby, involving the whole manner of life.

It is our hope that the reader of this magazine will be "lifted" above this earth. First of all, that he will become a true Christian by faith in the Lord Jesus, and thus be positionally not of the earth any longer, but "partaker of the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1). Secondly, that the Christian reader will practically soar like a kite, whose proper sphere of life and enjoyment and fulfillment is in the heavens, though still connected to the earth. It is when the believer is borne above by the power and guidance of God's Spirit and Word that he realizes the purposes and potential of his life in Christ.