"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Corey looked down at me, right into my eyes, and said, "Come on, Mama, ride with me," How could I say no? Before I knew it we were off...climbing the never ending stairs to this death defying, free-falling, intimidating trip of my life.
Let me explain. My girls and I planned this lovely trip to Spring Valley Beach (a waterpark near our home) for the family to spend some much needed time together. I was so excited and dreamed of what the day would bring. On the day we were to leave I busied myself, packing our lunch and snacks and water, remembering towels and all the extras for a day spent lounging in the pool, holding my grandbabies and watching as my 'dare-devil' children risk life and limb on the crazy water slides this place provided. Never was it in my plans to actually take a ride. I was going to do my 'grandmotherly duties' and keep the grandbabies busy, all while watching the big kids have their fun.
We weren't there long before the humongous, white V in the sky was spotted. It's name being "The Half Pipe' (intimidating, I know). The climb to the top is at least forty feet in the air...at the top of both sides of the V. The big kids were off, excitedly making their way to the ladder of this monster with Dana and I following along with a baby girl on each of our hips and Nate running along beside us. We found a spot in the shade below this monstrosity and watched for the four of them to take their dive.
They all came bustling back to us with adrenaline rushing through their veins and rallying the tunes of what exhilarating fun it was. Cameron immediately convinces his daddy to go for a ride with him and off they trot and that was when Corey got the grand idea of not wanting to leave me out (really...I wouldn't have minded being left out).
I put on my 'big girl' pants though and followed him up the ladder (I think you could have seen the four corners of the state of Alabama from up there). Corey tells me to get in the front of him on the inflatable and hold on (he really didn't have to tell me that last part). My hands were super glued to the handles of this floating device, there was no way of prying them away. As soon as the sweet, little lifeguard ask if we were ready, with her foot, she pushed us over the edge...I think my stomach is still up there.
I wish I could tell you I faced this slide with courage, but that wouldn't be true (my eyes might have been shut tight the entire ride.) Have you ever faced a fear? Our fear has a way of controlling the outcome and determining if we can follow through or not. Facing fears is not easy but a lot of times it is worth it.
Fulfilling God's will for our lives allows us to trust Him in every situation. Don't let fear be your guide, allow God to strengthen you. Let Jesus have the final word so that His joy can be yours.
I love you & He loves you more!
P.S. I may have rode some other slides that day just as nervous as the first, but oh the fun I had with my family. I was a happy participant instead of a cautious spectator. My smile of that day will live on in my memories for a lifetime.
Lord, Help me trust you more. May I ride the mountains and valleys of life by Your side with my hands glued to Yours. You are my confidence. In You I place my hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.