Jump in With Both Feet

I actually captured this picture several years ago. I couldn't believe the sunset and our boat in the picture was perfection for memories. This was happening on our campsite, but we were building a fire and missing it. I was so glad I turned the corner and got a glimpse. I remember thinking that this picture encapsulated all the things that are us: boating, jet skis, a kayak, and even the mat the kids love to wrestle on. Clearly we are people of action. If anyone ever drags their feet, it's me. There are times that I feel like vacation should involve a moment of being still. I am always quickly out voted. There are times I choose to get left behind, but mostly they are right, you only live once and soon I'll be too old to waterski.

You might not know that about me, but I do love to waterski. I only get to ski once or twice a year or so, but I like to make sure I still do it to remember how much I love it. The reason I can still ski, even though I am getting old is because I had a good teacher, my husband. One of the first things I remember Pete saying is "let the boat do the work", it will pull you out of the water. You don’t have to pull yourself up. This is the best advice. I find myself repeating it when other people are learning to ski off of our boat. It doesn’t mean that I don’t ever forget the advice myself. There are lots of times I’ve failed to ski because I did just that, tried to pull myself up in my own power.

The second lesson I need to repeat to myself while skiing is to make sure that you keep your feet together. If you let one foot start to drift out of line, you are going down. You’ve got to keep your knees together; only then can you direct yourself in and out of the wake. Both feet have to face the same way. While I realize that this seems like a no-brainer, I am realizing that I have trouble with this same rule in my life.

Both of these skiing lessons have been coming full circle with me. We recently left our church home. I ‘ve been having trouble letting go. Initially change can be exciting, but the newness usually wears off. I was missing the feeling of being known this week. I missed teaching my Sunday School class and felt stuck in between seasons. Feeling stuck is something I always want to rush through, but it’s often a place where I really hear from God. Waiting places create a space for listening. I have heard God telling me that I really need both feet facing the same direction if I want to get anywhere.  I can’t walk into all God has planned for me with one foot in both places. I've got to commit my full weight, both feet in one direction. That can be really hard because I don't know the details of where we are going.

Galatians beautifully puts this idea of walking with God into chapter 5 verse 25:

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

If I've decided I'm following God, enough with the one step forward and two steps back attitude. I will not make any progress in my walk and I will delay the waiting period.

I feel confidant that I am not alone.

Why do we drag our feet when we clearly know the direction God has indicated?

Is it because we can't see the end of the road, and it's more comfortable to walk in our flesh, to do what's familiar?

Sometimes the pace makes me nervous, and it isn't even a specific pace. I can feel uncomfortable if I feel we are moving too fast or too slow. What I need to do is be comfortable with just the pressure of His hand. the pace and destination matter less than the company available to me. Help me no to lean on my own understanding, even though that is comfortable, but to trust You (Proverbs 3).

So yes, let's jump in with both feet facing the direction God has indicated and then also be prepared to wait right there, fully commited until God moves. The Holy Spirit will do the heavy lifting; He will pull you up out of the water and before you even know what happened you'll be gliding along riding the waves again.

Father, remind me that Your steady presence is more important than pace. Help me not look back but press forward. Prepare my heart for new blessings and new growth. Help me wholeheartedly obey as soon as I hear Your voice, both feet in the same direction.

PS I really did try to find a pic of me skiing for your enjoyment. Let's just say we will keep that gem for another post.