Attending a local women’s worship conference recently sparked a memory that I thought was worthy of sharing with you this week. As I find so often in my life, God’s perfect timing to even hear about this conference two days before it was scheduled via our Christian radio station and realizing my schedule would permit me to attend, sure blessed me big time!
I did attempt to ask one friend if she was free to attend with me but she was not, so off I went solo, which is always fine with me too. The people were very friendly and welcoming and at the beginning of the second day of the event, a lady came over and started talking to me. It was cool to find out that she too, did not know anyone there but decided to participate anyway. As we conversed and sat together at lunch, I learned that she actually knows of a friend of mine that lives in the same development as her. In fact they exercise together though they never really conversed up to this point. I wonder if they might now since they know a mutual person…me! 🙂
At this conference, there were a few different speakers you could pick from to listen to. I stuck with the main guest speaker, Lynn Cowell, who is a part of the Proverbs 31 ministry for any readers out there who might be familiar with it. I had not really known about the organization, but have since signed up for a wonderful daily devotional they share weekdays.
Returning to my memory~~flashback to August 2012 when my oldest son, then 19 years old, planned our family vacation. We opted to do a more “local” vacation as not to spend as much money that year. He is a great “research” person so he came up with visits to butterfly conservatory, a larger scale zoo, a diamond mine, glider rides, and skydiving!
Now, you must know this son is NOT an adventurer or athletic type guy. He prefers to be in control of his body and his surroundings at all times so him wanting to do the skydiving adventure sure was a shock to us all! (In fact he does not even like to fly!) With that being said, I told myself if this son decided to do it, I better do it too, along with my husband. Our other two children were too young to participate.
As we were driving to the skydiving place, I was growing more skeptical and scared about what we signed up for. I had no choice but to follow through with it. I believe I did not even have breakfast that morning!
Sometimes we just need to do something scared!!
We were lucky that the three of us were able to all go together on the same plane as originally they were going to have to split us up. The particular plane that we ended up diving from had an open back.
When you skydive, it is done in tandem with a professional, which, needless to say, is probably a good thing!
As you are about to embark on the jump, the professional will tell you when it is time to just “walk” off the plane into the air. You are first out of the plane as the professional is connected behind you. From there you need to pay attention to the hand signals showing you when to pull the cord, which way to turn to take in the beautiful creation you are diving above and when to finally maneuver your legs to come in for the landing!
In case you are not familiar with and are interested in skydiving because of reading this, I will also tell you that you are about 10,000 – 13,500 feet in altitude when you make the jump. You free fall for about 60 seconds going about 120 mph and then spend another four to five minutes parachuting down to the ground eventually landing on your butt with your legs out in a sitting position in front of you.
You ask, where is this story going?
In reflecting on it now, I think skydiving is similar to our relationship with God!
You ask how?
*God is always with us~living in tandem with us!
–We may try to leave Him, but He is always pursuing us!
*God is always directing and guiding us~that still small voice, working everything out for our good!
–We may feel He is not guiding, but maybe our perspective needs adjusting to see clearly!
*We can always see God’s Presence and His beauty all around us~just observe the majestic mountains, the seasons, the creatures of the land, and all of nature.
–Sometimes we may not like a particular weather pattern but God is still in charge of it all!
*We should step out in faith~not letting fear take over!
–Sometimes we need to do things scared; it really is okay and will help us grow!
*We need to trust and have faith~everything will work out!
–Sometimes things don’t work out according to our plan, but that is okay…We know God is in charge!
Skydiving was never on my bucket list, as honestly, I’m probably not really that adventuresome either, but looking back six years later I can say I am glad I did….and that I’m alive to tell about it! 🙂
There is a sense of confidence that can be gained from doing something out of our comfort zone. Stretching ourselves helps us grow and experience even more adventures in this life.
Yes, remember the SKY’S THE LIMIT!
Would you please be kind enough to help me finish this post this week and share something you have done that is outside of your comfort zone? I bet you, too, can look back and see how you grew from that experience making you a little more confident.
Thanks in advance for sharing!
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Cool – I like to keep my feet on the ground so I have never considered skydiving.
I totally understand, Sandy! I was thankful to have my feet back on the ground but it was an amazing experience. Blessings to you~
Many years ago my Pastor asked me to think about attending a lay speaking course called ” Basic Course, Lay Speaking”. My Pastor seen something in me that I had no hint of.
I did sign up for the course and learned about the basics to creating a very short sermon. Unknowingly beforehand, all attendees were to perform our short sermons. Whoa, wait a minute, what was I in for, I was so out of my element, so petrified- I could feel the anxiety and panic rise.
I was never at a comfort level to speak in front of an audience of any type. Well, long story short—- I did my short sermon, which went over very well, and I didn’t pass out!! Well, from that moment on I have been immersing myself in HIS word and “giving a message” in front of others at my church as a Lay Speaker. I just feel so comfortable and can feel HIM with me. I continue to grow right along with my confidence.
Trust always in GOD, he will take your UNcomfortable to a comfortable level…….
Have a Blessed Day! Cindy V
Oh, Cindy, thank you so much for sharing that powerful testimony!! What an awesome God we serve who provides for us what we need when we need it, especially when we do His work to help further His kingdom. That is so amazing and I am so happy for your stepping out in faith and trusting Him! Blessings as you continue to share God and His messages, my friend!