I think I can confidently say I have perfected FALLING. As evidence, I present a few of my accomplishments:
- Getting into or out of my Kayak (each one, and there have been many, more hilarious and humbling than the next)
- Off boats (one from mid-ship, while barely underway, others were ungraceful attempts to exit a boat.
- Down stairs: Missed steps getting out of pedestal bed on boat (don’t judge, it was dark and early in the morning!), sliding down last few steps on landings.
- UP the stairs. (yes, you read that right, UP the stairs, not even sure HOW it happens, but it happens fairly frequently)
- I have landed on my backside a few times doing nothing more than walking, (down a ramp, on a cobbled stone street or on an icy sidewalk)
There have been numerous lessons learned from my “falling” experiences….”Be More Careful”, “Hold Handrails”, “Watch Your Step”, “Ask for Help”, “Slow Down”….but of all my “falling” lessons, the greatest is this: Falling is NOT always failing….The GETTING UP MATTERS!
This lesson is vital, because not all falling experiences are physical. My imperfect walk through this life has landed me squarely on my rumpus literally AND figuratively.
- I have fallen out of good habits.
- I have fallen away from reading the Bible.
- I know what it feels like to fall out of favor with family or friends.
- I have found myself on the floor emotionally, discouraged, disheartened or displeased with myself.
I have discovered that after my fall, satan likes to sit on top of me. His messages assault my heart.. “Don’t bother getting up, you’ll just fall again.”, “People are looking and judging you, pretend you didn’t fall”, “Stay down, its easier and no one will notice.”
Falling is not the hard part, the hard part is the getting back up. GETTING BACK UP is the difference between falling and failing.
Later today, my hubby and I are heading out to do some kayaking. This man has sure seen some impressive falling skills from me over the years. I have no doubt that he will be doing all he can to reduce my chances of falling. He will steady my kayak for my entry or exit. He will keep an eye out for me at all times. He will make sure I have adequate safety gear. Most importantly, IF I do fall, he will be there to help me…when he is done laughing of course! He is always there for the “getting back up” parts of life.
Likewise, my God is prepared for my falls. He walks with me through difficult times. Sometimes He prevents my falls. Often, He allows my falls to change me. But at ALL times, He is there for the “getting back up” part of life.
Today is Good Friday. Today my heart is heavy as I think about the death of Jesus Christ. His crucifixion was a part of God preparing for me to fall. My God knew I would fall short of being without sin.
How could I, a sinner, have a relationship with a Holy God? I can because with His death on that cross, He bore my sin, and all the eternal condemnation that comes with falling down in life.
Because of His death, His burial and RESSURECTION, we can go before God and ask forgiveness for our sin. This is AMAZING GRACE. We do not deserve forgiveness, yet God sent His son to make a way for us, that whenever we fall, we can seek Him, He will forgive us and HE will be there for our “getting back up”.
If this season of life finds you struggling from a fall, know this…God is with you, His forgiveness is available, and His grace (unearned favor) is sufficient. It is time to get back up!
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of the cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. Although you were formerly alienated and hostile mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now RECONCILED you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach…” (Colossians 1:19-22)
Tuesday With Teri 