For me one of the sweetest times was as we went up to the ropes course at camp. I have been up there a bunch of times and though it had been years I have done a lot of the events. But as the Lord would have it our leader took us to an event that I had never even seen before. It was a series of wires strung between three or four trees and only about a foot or so off the ground. The idea is that, with your group spotting you on either side you use some heavy ropes to help balance yourself and you walk those tight ropes.Easy, right? Well, so it looked as the first few teens stepped up to the challenge. It was neat to hear their friends cheer them on as they went. But as time went on, suddenly I realized that our facilitator meant to get us all up there if he could and then I immediately began to squirm. I am not good with heights. I only ice skate if I can hold hands with someone because I am afraid of falling so even a foot off the ground is intimidating. And then, to have all eyes on me, forget it! I usually avoid situations where I have to be the center of attention. But as each of the kids successfully completed the course, I knew I couldn't put it off much longer. So when the teens called my name, I didn't protest but went to the starting point. I think that it was quickly obvious that I was scared out of my mind, as their chatter got too loud and I snapped at them to "Knock it off!" And then as I moved one foot in front of the other I started to be able to hear their words. "Take care of her. This is precious cargo!" I heard Stacey say. "You got this, Megs," another voice broke through my fear. I looked down at my feet a lot, but when I looked up I saw the faces of people that love me and the fears eased.
When we were all done (and, yes, I made it to the end without falling off) we gathered to debrief. We talked about what we had learned--about each other, about life, and faith and this journey that we are on together. And as I reflected on my experience, being the one with all eyes fixed on me, it hit me--having all eyes on me was not a bad thing. I have in my life been in situations like this before. Situations where, like this one, I have feared failure--not being good enough, or brave enough, or smart enough, or strong enough. I have focused on those around me assuming that they will be disappointed or angry or lack understanding if I fall. But as I thought back to my time on that wire--I realized that the people who were surrounding me had one purpose: my safety and my encouragement. Their goal was to keep me from falling, and if I did fall, make sure that I fell safely, and to encourage me to keep moving, to keep doing what I was sure I couldn't do!
Safety and Encouragement! Wow! What a thought! As we watch our fellow Christians is that our goal? Are we looking out for their best interests? If we can be the kind of Christ followers who are known by their love then this walk becomes full of grace not full of fear. If we remember that it is not about always getting it right but knowing Who to call when we fall, we will live in the freedom that is ours in Jesus Christ.
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