Article January 5, 1924 Issue

Both Wings in Use!

FLORENCE BERTRAM HAMILTON

The Psalmist expresses the longing of many a human heart when he says, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." This rest that we all desire is the rest that comes from perfect harmonious activity; but we, like the prodigal, must be ready to turn away from the pains and pleasures of matter, the false activities of life, before we can really say, "I will arise and go to my father," the only place where true activity and true rest can be found. Blessed indeed are those who have begun this homeward journey; for, even though the way be long, they are seeking a city whose "builder and maker is God;" where, as John says, "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying."

Those who are thus on their way heavenward would do well to watch the birds, with both wings outspread, flying towards their winter home in the South, and again finding their way North when spring returns. How joyous, free, and sure their flight! The lesson they brought to one who watched them flying over a beautiful blue lake was, How necessary are both wings! Imagine how far the swiftest bird could fly with but one wing, be it ever so perfect! Then thought turned to earth's children who are seeking their Father's house. How joyous, too, ought such a journey to be; and yet how far from happy and harmonious we sometimes seem to find it! We have tried so hard; we have been so faithful, we say: but perhaps we have been beating the air with one wing, forgetting that both wings are necessary if we would reach our goal.

Awakening to this necessity, one may sometimes find it takes study and practice, patience and much love, to help ourselves or others to use the other wing, and so to become poised and balanced, and able to go forward. Our Leader must have recognized this necessity when she said, in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 267): "The bird whose right wing flutters to soar, while the left beats its way downward, falls to the earth. Both wings must be plumed for rarefied atmospheres and upward flight." And Paul, who made such splendid strides forward, also tells us our "armour of righteousness" must be "on the right hand and on the left."

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