ready to jump

A few years ago I did a tandem skydive. (There's my cute Joe Caito behind me!)

   

I'd be dishonest if I didn't admit that there was a bit of terror involved--like the moment that Joe jumped out first and was IMMEDIATELY whisked out of view--but facing my fear and trusting the instructor and the chute ended up being a completely exhilarating and rewarding experience.

The lesson learned?  Doing something new can be scary, but oh, the rewards!  (OK, look at how crazy my arms look in this photo!  That's why skydivers wear long-sleeved jumpsuits!  On the video, my skin was actually flapping in the wind!  Anyway...)

I really believe that God speaks to us in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, and lately, with our big move on the horizon (one week!) His encouraging messages keep popping up.  Check out the words to this Madonna song I heard a few days ago (and haven't been able to get out of my mind since):

There’s only so much you can learn in one place
The more that I wait, the more time that I waste

I haven’t got much time to waste, it’s time to make my way
I’m not afraid of what I’ll face, but I’m afraid to stay
I’m going down my own road and I can make it alone
I'll work and I'll fight, Till I find a place of my own

Are you ready to jump?
Get ready to jump
Don’t ever look back, oh baby
Yes, I’m ready to jump
Just take my hands
Get ready to jump!

We learned our lesson from the start, my sister and me
The only thing you can depend on is your family
And life’s gonna drop you down like the limbs of a tree
It sways and it swings and it bends until it makes you see

Are you ready to jump?
Get ready to jump
Don’t ever look back, oh baby
Yes, I’m ready to jump
Just take my hands
Get ready to, are you ready?

Check out the You Tube video here.

Yes, I've got fears.  Fears about making ends meet under different financial constraints.  Fears about tackling a new profession at my age.  Fears about doubters who are just waiting to see me fail.  I wonder how I'll function away from the life support of family and friends who were always there to raise me up.

And then this morning in church came this Scripture passage: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself..." (Matthew 6: 25a; 33-34a).

I'm in good hands.  My chute has been packed by the Master.  I'm ready to jump.

Beth

Comments

[Karen]

you really are amazing! You will be successful at anything you do because you are you!!!!!!

[Jan C.]

Doubters waiting to see you fail?!!! No way. Concentrate on the believers waiting to see you succeed!

[gabriella biancofiore]

I have NO doubt whatsoever that I'll soon be hearing of your success in the weeks to come. I'm still (irrationally) panicky about you're moving away but I honestly believe good things are coming your way.

You've always been brave in my eyes. Of course it's daunting, most new things are. But one cannot help but look at all these signs and see God's direction behind all of this. :)

[Dad]

You have impressed me again! Many years ago it was how you could stand up as an infant as I held you in my hand. Now Your skill at writing and your strong Christian witness make me proud of the woman that you have become. Your Mom and I will miss you being a short drive away but we are happy and excited for you and Susan as you tackle this new adventure.

[carolyn mcafee]

LOL!!!

'Skelator'! Your arms are so freakin' freaky!!! Love it!

I am so excited for you two. So much good will come from this giant leap! You will soar! It's what you do!

[Amy W.]

very thought provoking post. i wish you both the best in your new journey. :) can't wait to hear of your exciting new happenings as you set roots in your new place.

[gabriella biancofiore]

I meant to e-mail you this but my service is down. Can you please say goodbye to Azalea Drive for me? I'm going to miss it. It became something of a home-away-from-home for me and I will always, always remember it and the time we all shared there fondly.