Russell Media - Laurie

Do your fears ever overtake you - paralyzing you, either momentarily or long-term, to the point where you sit out on life?

Fear is a strong force that God may use to protect and guide us but it’s also a tool the enemy will use to keep us in stalemate preventing us from experiencing and trusting God.

A few weeks ago our daughter had her end-of-the-season soccer party at a new gym in our area. It’s in an old warehouse and high above our party was the ropes course with six platforms and in-between each iss a variety of ropes and obstacles.

It looked awesome and the girls immediately asked about it. The manager offered us a deal if each child had an adult to accompany them. We couldn’t pass it up so we did the mini-training, strapped in and waited our turn to climb the rope ladder.

I was with my son, Noah, who quickly climbed the ladder as I belayed him. He made it look easy and I was eager to join him at top. However, as I began my climb the narrow ladder, it began to twist and sway. I quickly realized it was going to be trickier than it appeared.

I felt uncoordinated as I climbed. When it came time for me to reach from the ladder and step onto the platform, a fear of heights took over me that I had never experienced before. I stood on the platform, grasping the pole and afraid to move. I wanted to go down - immediately.

I didn’t want to let Noah down so I tried to gather my nerves. He waited for me to clip him in to his first course while I mentally tried to think of a way to get out of it and without disappointing him. Maybe he’ll hate and “need” me to go down with him.

No such luck – he loved it.

It was my turn to lean out, grab the rope and step off the firm platform onto a swinging rope. It was unnerving and I hated it at first but I didn’t fall and even ended the day with an adrenaline high.

Here are a few life lessons it taught me.

1. Straight paths are not always easy. In Proverbs 3 we’re encouraged to trust in God and not our own understanding. But just because God directs us to a path, it doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily be easy. My fears (understanding) told me to quit. However, if I had listened, I would have missed out on a great bonding time with my son. It was worth the struggle.
2. Taking the 1st step is not always the hardest part. For me, taking the 2nd and 3rd steps was harder. Each one took me further from the platform and my safety blanket. It was even scarier at the end when I had to take one hand off of the rope to climb onto the next platform. It required me letting go and reaching out to another for help. Every step of our path we are dependent upon God and others – and this is a good thing.
3. “Healthy” pride won’t lead to a fall. It keeps us from sitting out on life. I was with my son and his ability to continue on the ropes course was dependent on me staying with him. I didn’t want him to see me as a mom who quits on him. So I struggled on. My pride didn’t want to disappoint him so it spurred me on.

There have been times in life where fear kept me from trying. I didn’t send a query letter because I feared the rejection. I didn’t talk to a person because I feared looking foolish. I didn’t apply for a position because I feared I wouldn’t be able to handle the position.

God broke through that day. He reminded me that He enables us and He clears the right path for us. It may not be smooth sailing the whole way but the bonding and joy He gives us are more than worth it.

Do you have fears that prevent you from stepping out?

What has God taught you as you tackled your fears?

Do your fears ever overtake you - paralyzing you, either momentarily or long-term, to the point where you sit out on life?

Fear is a strong force that God may use to protect and guide us but it’s also a tool the enemy will use to keep us in stalemate preventing us from experiencing and trusting God.

A few weeks ago our daughter had her end-of-the-season soccer party at a new gym in our area. It’s in an old warehouse and high above our party was the ropes course with six platforms and in-between each iss a variety of ropes and obstacles.

It looked awesome and the girls immediately asked about it. The manager offered us a deal if each child had an adult to accompany them. We couldn’t pass it up so we did the mini-training, strapped in and waited our turn to climb the rope ladder.

I was with my son, Noah, who quickly climbed the ladder as I belayed him. He made it look easy and I was eager to join him at top. However, as I began my climb the narrow ladder, it began to twist and sway. I quickly realized it was going to be trickier than it appeared.

I felt uncoordinated as I climbed. When it came time for me to reach from the ladder and step onto the platform, a fear of heights took over me that I had never experienced before. I stood on the platform, grasping the pole and afraid to move. I wanted to go down - immediately.

I didn’t want to let Noah down so I tried to gather my nerves. He waited for me to clip him in to his first course while I mentally tried to think of a way to get out of it and without disappointing him. Maybe he’ll hate and “need” me to go down with him.

No such luck – he loved it.

It was my turn to lean out, grab the rope and step off the firm platform onto a swinging rope. It was unnerving and I hated it at first but I didn’t fall and even ended the day with an adrenaline high.

Here are a few life lessons it taught me.

1. Straight paths are not always easy. In Proverbs 3 we’re encouraged to trust in God and not our own understanding. But just because God directs us to a path, it doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily be easy. My fears (understanding) told me to quit. However, if I had listened, I would have missed out on a great bonding time with my son. It was worth the struggle.
2. Taking the 1st step is not always the hardest part. For me, taking the 2nd and 3rd steps was harder. Each one took me further from the platform and my safety blanket. It was even scarier at the end when I had to take one hand off of the rope to climb onto the next platform. It required me letting go and reaching out to another for help. Every step of our path we are dependent upon God and others – and this is a good thing.
3. “Healthy” pride won’t lead to a fall. It keeps us from sitting out on life. I was with my son and his ability to continue on the ropes course was dependent on me staying with him. I didn’t want him to see me as a mom who quits on him. So I struggled on. My pride didn’t want to disappoint him so it spurred me on.

There have been times in life where fear kept me from trying. I didn’t send a query letter because I feared the rejection. I didn’t talk to a person because I feared looking foolish. I didn’t apply for a position because I feared I wouldn’t be able to handle the position.

God broke through that day. He reminded me that He enables us and He clears the right path for us. It may not be smooth sailing the whole way but the bonding and joy He gives us are more than worth it.

Do you have fears that prevent you from stepping out?

What has God taught you as you tackled your fears?

Last night’s dinner was a disaster. Our 9-year-old son, Noah, was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease and we’re in the process of removing gluten from our diet. It’s been a bit tricky, especially for me as I try to find tasty meals that don’t have gluten hidden in the ingredients and attempt to recreate our favorite dishes without it.

Noah has been a trooper so I thought I’d have a go and make his meal of choice, broccoli cheese quiche. It was a challenge. It took me an hour to perfect the gluten free piecrust enough for it to hold the other ingredients. Excited about my accomplishment, I popped it in the oven. Everyone was hungry and eager to try it.

Thirty minutes later the timer sounded. I pulled it out of the oven, unaware that our 70lb lab was behind me. I stepped on his paw, lost my balance and dropped the quiche onto the floor. Mark claims I let out a couple of “wordy durds” in the process. I don’t recall this but perhaps the stress hormones flooding through my veins and the gluten withdrawal caused me to momentarily black out.

I called everyone into the kitchen and they see the pile of quiche at my feet. “Grab a fork” I instructed and then sat down on the floor and began eating the quiche. Anastasia quickly joined me, “Mmmm, this is good!” Mark and Noah stood behind us, holding their forks, watching us, “Really?”

“Yes! This is dinner. I spent too much time on this for it to go to waste.” (I’m claiming gluten withdrawal here again for my momentary insanity.)

Mark kneeled by me, preparing to join us when he saw a dog hair. “Nope, can’t do it. I’m going to Alberstons and buying us some fried chicken.”

Okay that sounds better! We all put our forks down, salvaged enough to make Noah a plate and cleaned up the mess. Dinner was saved – well, until thirty minutes later when Anastasia began crying, deciding mid-meal that she wants to be a vegan and no longer feels it’s right for us to eat animals. OMG – open me a bottle of wine!

It wasn’t until I pulled out the gluten-free chocolate cupcakes that everything returned to normal. Ahhh - chocolate – proof that God loves us! It made everything better and the night humorous. It was bonding.

 

Meals are important and were often central in Jesus’ ministry. He ate at the house of Pharisees, tax collectors, Mary and Martha. He fed the 5,000. He invited himself to the home of Zacchaeus and prophesied and encouraged the disciples at the Last Supper.

A lot happens at a meal. We talk, we share, we debate, we encourage. It may not always be uneventful but when we invite God to join us, healing, joy, growth and bonding take place.

I fear our culture is losing the art of sharing a meal. In our house we’re often guilty of wolfing down dinner in order to make it to a practice or meeting. Or we want to be done in time to watch a show on TV.

The disciples entered the Passover meal unaware of it being their last meal with Jesus before his crucifixion. What if they had rushed through it in order for Jesus to get some more healings in? They would have missed the spiritual food Jesus gave them that night.

Each time I pick my kids up at school I ask them, “What did you do today?” to which I often receive, “Nothing.” It’s not until later that night at the dinner table (when we haven’t rushed off somewhere) we hear bits of the playground drama. It’s in these moments we’re invited into their lives. If we’re not at the table, we miss the opportunity to enter in.

I don’t want to wake up one day and regret I wasn’t at the table with them when they needed me.

Have a great weekend and may you table be full of family and friends. And if you drop the meal on the floor – grab a fork and send someone out for chicken and chocolate and have a great laugh.

Do you have any dinner disasters that turned into wonderful memories?