“Five Minute Friday” is a great writing exercise even if you’re not blogging your treasures (memories). Your spontaneous thoughts on a given subject can reveal your personality, daily life, beliefs, etc. If you are blogging, I encourage you to join in! If you want to connect on Twitter, use the hashtag #FiveMinuteFriday.
This week’s Prompt: JUMP
High Ropes Course at Howell Nature Center
Jump automatically brings the expression of “leap of faith” to mind. This “leap” has always been a compelling visual image, but it came to mean a lot more to me, when I had to make a physical “leap.”
As part of a Presbyterian family camp at the Howell Nature Center (Howell, MI), we did a high ropes course. We were encouraged to “stretch” our comfort levels.
Though I’m normally afraid of heights, my brain bought into the harness technology, and my fears receded. I was surprised to find myself able to not only jump from platform to platform facing forward, but also to jump backwards. What an exercise in faith and trust!
The big challenge for me, however, came with the zip line. I could finish the course by going down a ladder or challenge myself by literally jumping into space and zipping down on a zip line rigged over a steep valley. From the platform, the zip line looked very far away and awfully close to the ground. Intellectually, I knew I wouldn’t get hurt, but I also knew my stomach would make that sickening lurch. My anxiety peaked.
After a few minutes of prayer, I did make the jump. I have to admit that I hated the first second or two of the zip line, but the rest was exhilarating.
Since that time over a decade ago, I’ve made myself do other zip lines. It’s so humbling and assuring to feel God’s presence even in my small self-inflicted moment of panic.
When I feel that anxiety and panic in real life, I have those memories to summon up as I ask God to give me courage to jump and to be with me as I fall, and cushion me as I land. If you’ve never tried a ropes course (and particularly if you never want to try one), I highly recommend it.
(C) Laura Hedgecock 2013
#FiveMinuteFriday
I’ve always been afraid of the big jumps… but maybe if I think on God as my “harness” those jumps into the unknown might just be a little easier!! 🙂
thanks for your words on 5MF!
Oh my! You’re right. When I’m really really scared, I can think “God is my harness.” Thank you so much.
Oh, those ropes courses! They leave you with an unavoidable choice every time! What a wonderful reflection…
Thanks Amanda, I appreciate you stopping in and commenting.
Oh good for you,….jumping right in there and being brave. I have tried ziplining as well and felt the same way,….terrified and then exhilarated.
Glad you shared.
I’ve never done a zip line before…it’s definitely on my list. Looks like an amazing ride! Thank you for your words…I love how God can take a fearful moment and turn it into something wildly exhilarating. 🙂 Blessings!
Me too! I hope you get a chance to do it soon.
Amen for Leaps of Faith…both big and small. I’ve been wanting to try a ropes course for several years now. I was a teen last time I did it. Was thinking it would be a fun bonding experience for the fam.
I love this line, “When I feel that anxiety and panic in real life, I have those memories to summon up as I ask God to give me courage to jump and to be with me as I fall, and cushion me as I land.” Amen.
Thanks for writing!!
Thanks for stopping by Rebekah. I’m glad we’ve connected through FMF.
me too 😉