I fell on the ice the other day. I mean, I full on slipped, feet out from under me fell. My tushie hit the ground so hard that a jolt went through my whole body. I wanted to sit there and cry it hurt so bad. But I didn’t, for two reasons:
1. The snow was butt numbing cold.
2. My pride would not allow it.
After getting up, brushing off the snow, and hobbling back onto the porch I went on with my day. I knew at the very least I would have a huge bruise on my backside (and yes I do, thank you very much). I also knew that there was a great likelihood that other parts of my body would be affected by my fall, having been jarred and pounded. Sure enough, in the past couple of days random parts of my body, both organs and muscles, seem to have taken a beating and are retaliating. And they aren’t being very nice about it…
We are all gonna fall in life. Sometimes we see the slippery surface and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we have a warning and sometimes it seems to come right out of the blue. Sometimes when we fall we will want to sit there and cry about it. And crying is good. It means that we recognize what happened, we acknowledge the hurt that was caused by it. But we can’t stop at crying. We have to get back up and continue walking.
There may be residual pain, even pain that others experience because of our mistakes. But as that pain is addressed and cared for, healing can occur. What was damaged by the fall, can actually be made stronger and healthier than before. And inside there comes a new awareness, a more careful treading, so that we don’t slip again on that same spot.
I can tell you, that since that slip on the ice, I have chosen my steps more carefully and deliberately than I did before I fell. And though my body is still reminding me of the consequences, a new “wisdom” was gained in the process. If others are headed for that same slick spot, my experience can help them avoid the spill that I took.
Jesus, when I fall (and I will), help me to reach every single time to Your hand that will not only lift me up, but will heal me, strengthen me and guide me as I continue walking with You…
Psalm 40:2 – He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
