When You Struggle to Let Go: The Weathered Kite

The Bench by the Sea

Naomi had come to the coastal park almost every weekend since she was a little girl. The ocean had always been her refuge — its endless horizon whispering of possibilities, its rhythmic waves carrying away thoughts too heavy to hold. Today, though, she sat stiffly on a sun-bleached bench, clutching an old kite spool in her lap.

The kite itself lay beside her — faded red fabric, frayed at the edges, patches where the wind had torn it and she had tried to mend it. It wasn’t much to look at now, but it had been hers for years, a gift from someone she once loved dearly. And she couldn’t bring herself to let it go.

Her fingers traced the grooves in the wooden spool. She had come here intending to fly it one last time, but the wind was erratic, and deep inside, she knew she wasn’t ready.

The Boy with the Bright Kite

A burst of laughter broke her thoughts. Down the path, a little boy darted toward the open grass, a brightly colored kite dancing above him. His father trailed behind, calling out encouragement. The boy’s kite dipped and soared, the wind catching its tail with playful ease.

Naomi’s eyes followed the kite as it climbed higher. She couldn’t help but remember when hers had flown like that — strong, untamed, free. But now the frame was brittle, and even the gentlest gust might send it crashing.

The boy stumbled and let go of his string. Instead of panicking, he watched with wide-eyed wonder as the kite floated away, carried over the dunes. His father simply put a hand on his shoulder, smiling softly, as they stood together watching it disappear.

Naomi felt her chest tighten. She realized she had been holding her own kite spool like a lifeline.

The Weight of Holding On

It wasn’t just a kite she was clinging to. It was the memories stitched into its fabric — moments she feared would vanish if she loosened her grip. But the truth was, holding on hadn’t preserved them; it had only kept her tethered to a season that had already passed.

She thought about how often she had prayed for change, yet resisted when it came. She wanted peace, but she wanted it on her terms. She wanted the beauty of the past without the ache of letting it rest where it belonged.

The breeze caught the kite at her side, making it flutter against her leg. It was as though it was reminding her that it was meant for the wind, not for the shadows of a closet or the grip of her hands.

The Gentle Release

Naomi stood, the spool trembling slightly in her grasp. She stepped onto the grass, lifted her face to the sky, and let the wind catch the kite. For a brief moment, it rose, wobbling but determined. And then she loosened her fingers.

The string slipped away. The kite sailed forward, carried by a gust that seemed almost purposeful. She watched until it was only a speck, then gone entirely.

A strange lightness filled her chest. The memories were still hers. But now, so was the space to breathe again.

Lessons from the Sky

Naomi lingered at the park until the sun began to dip low. The boy and his father had long since gone home, but the sound of their laughter still seemed to mingle with the wind. She walked toward the shore, the sand cool beneath her feet, feeling as if something invisible but heavy had finally lifted.

Letting go hadn’t erased what she loved — it had simply freed her to love in new ways.

7 Steps for Letting Go of What You Can’t Control

1. Pray First, Not Last – Seek God’s wisdom before clinging to your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

2. Name What You’re Holding – Acknowledge exactly what you’re struggling to release.

3. Write a Release Letter – Express gratitude for what was, then surrender it in writing.

4. Visualize God Carrying It – Imagine Him holding it with care beyond your own.

5. Anchor in Scripture – Keep verses like Philippians 4:6-7 close for moments of anxiety.

6. Replace the Space – Fill the mental and emotional space with life-giving habits.

7. Practice Daily Trust – Release is rarely a one-time act; it’s a daily choice.

A Gentle Invitation

If this story resonated with you — if you’ve ever stood with trembling hands, unsure how to release what feels woven into your heart — our Letting Go of What You Can’t Control: 7 Daily Devotionals for the Surrendered Heart journal was created for you.

Inside, you’ll find daily readings, reflection prompts, affirmations, and a personal reflections page designed to walk with you through the process of release. It’s not about forgetting — it’s about living with open hands and a trusting heart.