Skydiving

Day 222:  A gal I know went skydiving this morning. She signed a mile long waiver absolving the company of responsibility for her person, and then she boarded a plane and strapped herself to some guy. When it came time to jump, the guy scooted them to the open door and sat them there staring down at the ground FAR below. Then he pushed them out into the free fall.  She told me that if it wasn't for this guy shoving them out into the open air, she probably wouldn't have been able to do it herself! She was actually glad she didn't have to make the decision of when to jump! As she fell, her life was completely in the hands of this expert, and at exactly the right time he pulled the parachute, and they glided to a safe landing. She said her experience was challenging, scary, exhilarating, and she was glad she did it.

As I was sitting here pondering her exciting tale, I couldn't help but think of several interesting points.

• A LOT of Trust-  My friend had placed an enormous amount of trust in someone she had just met. Let me share something with you....there is NO risk in trusting God! He is an expert in everything. Instead of waiving responsibility, He TAKES responsibility for those who trust Him. 

• A Necessary Shove- There are many times in our lives when we are content to sit in the plane. When that happens our relationship with Him stagnates. There are times when He will scoot us to the open door to stare down at the unknown. We don't know what will happen, we don't know what the situation is. It could be anything, and God knows what it is, be it trials, sickness, doing something new--anything He allows that will stretch us for His purpose and to strengthen our relationship with Him. Sometimes, especially in the case of trials and tragedy, we want to run back into the plane and hide. But we can't. We are strapped to Him there on the ledge. Then comes the shove into the fearful unknown. It may not be something of our choosing. It may be a result of this fallen world. It may be hard and uncomfortable. Or it may be a challenge, and exciting and wonderful. In any case, at all times, we are strapped to Him- the One who created us, loves, us, and knows ALL outcomes. As we descend deeper into our free fall, our trust in Him-even if its out of our sheer desperation- increases because we realize in a VERY tangible way our life REALLY is in His hands. 

• The Chute Opens- At some point He opens the parachute.  This is a moment of relief and peace. You are still falling, but now you recognize that He is in control. You may take in the scenery and beauty. You may be scared out your wits, or sick to your stomach. You may have reached your breaking point. But, at least you now know with all certainty that there is a landing point, and you have faith He will get you there.

• The Landing-  It has been said that God never promises us a smooth ride, just a safe landing. Our free fall experience may be a horrendous time of trying, or just an uncomfortable stretching. But in both cases, our trust in Him will allow us triumph over something that was prohibiting us from growing. Even if we don't win the earthly battle, we land in His arms and win the War for our souls.  

• In the End-  After all is said and done, we can look back and recognize the value from our free fall. Our experience may have been the scariest and hardest thing we've ever gone through, and maybe we're still limping because of it. It may have been the most thrilling and fantastic, and we're newly energized. But in all cases, all things work together for the good of those who love our Maker and Creator (Rom 8:28). When our faith in Him grows, and our relationship with Him is strengthened, we can continue to be a powerful witness for His eternal glory.

Just so you know, this is as close as I will likely ever come to jumping out of a completely sound aircraft! I choose to Trust the Lord in all things.  But some dude with goggles and a propensity to cheat death routinely, no thanks!
Please, God. bless!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.