©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
When we’re unsteady, stumble or slide, what we reach for matters. A recent trip to the salon reminded me of that.
Normally I choose to get a relaxing pedicure on one day and the painful torture of leg waxing on another. However, since my salon operator was going on vacation, I agreed to do the two back-to-back since she had no other options, and I had a beach trip coming up.
That’s why I was standing on one flip-flop-adorned foot gingerly trying to slip the shorts over my raised foot without messing up my newly painted fuchsia toenails. Shifting my Flamingo stance slightly to avoid marring the fresh polish, I tilted, stumbling and grabbing for the closest item for support – the massage/waxing table.
My body lurched to the right; my arm stretched so far my body extended to an L-shape. The table I thought was firmly fixed had instead spun to the side carrying me with it.
Pain shot through my shoulder and side. Tangled in the hem of my shorts, my feet struggled to find traction as I fought to keep my feet on the floor – and my body off it.
SEEK STRONGEST SUPPORT
Every day is an opportunity for a lesson or a reminder. So, here’s what stuck with me in the salon table-spinning episode:
When you reach for support, make sure what (or who) you reach for is locked in, steadfast and can handle the weight you’re putting on it.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. Psalm 94:18 NIV
And, while I’m thinking about it…
MAKE SMART CHOICES
Why do it the hard way? In hindsight, wouldn’t it have been better and less risky to sit down and slide the shorts off? Well, duh. But.
When we’re rushing more and thinking less, we often choose what we think will be the quickest or easiest route to accomplish what we want. At those times, perhaps we’re over confident (dare we say prideful?) in ourselves. The actions we take then aren’t always the safest or smartest, and when we start to falter and stumble and fall, we need to know where (Who) to reach for to keep standing and limit the injuries.
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV
PREPARE FOR TRIP-UPS
Weeks of core workouts on squishy, stability cushions and with weights helped me stay standing as did the grace of God! Training received from my fitness instructors prepared my mind and body to go into action to prevent a full-scale floor crash.
We can only put into practice what we’ve taken the time to learn.
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV
Our stumbles can avoid becoming full tumbles when we reach for God, remember His teaching, and rely on His steadfast love.
- Think of a time recently when rushing to do something or choosing to do something “your” way caused difficulty.
- What training can you think of that has helped protect you physically? Spiritually?
- Have you ever reached out to someone for support and found they couldn’t or didn’t support you?
- Are you in a stumble right now? Lean on the Lord, feel His love and grab His Word!
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. Psalm 16:8-10 NIV
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™