About That Time I Jumped Out of an Airplane

I don’t have a bucket list. But if I did, jumping out of an airplane wouldn’t be on it.

I do, however, love making memories with my kids. So, when we gave them the gift of skydiving for Christmas, I knew I wanted to do it with them. Plus, I’m about to turn 49. So why not do something totally crazy?

The jump was not what I thought it would be. I’ve had a lot of dreams about flying… coasting through the sky like a bird in flight. This was not like my dreams.

It was more painful than scary. In the aftermath, my ears were ringing, and I thought I might have burst an eardrum. (After about 24 hours I got my hearing back.) Another surprise was the bruises on my shoulders, where the straps dug in. And, the incredibly sore back muscles which I’m certain we’re from tensing up, even unknowingly. (Note: The kids had none of these issues!)

But it was amazing, and I’m so glad I did it! Even though I don’t think I’ll ever do it again.

My favorite part was when they opened the door and I saw the earth 14,000 feet below.  I wondered if I was a little bit crazy, as my legs dangled out of the plane. I didn’t have much time to consider it.

“You ready?” asked my instructor.

“Let’s do this!” I said. He pushed off and we were hurtling toward the earth at 120 mph. 

Launching into freefall was more symbolic than anything else. It reminded me that I am not in control of my life; it reminded me to completely abandon myself to Jesus. 

I recently decided to step away from social media, which seems a little crazy to some in the writing industry. But the decision was one of surrender. My “strategy” for 2021 is this: “Mine is to do the work. God’s is to get my words to those who need them.” Choosing to leave social media was almost scarier than jumping out of an airplane.  “Let’s do this, Lord!”

My guess is you’re facing decisions and situations much more serious than whether or not to get off Facebook. Whatever they may be, let these reassuring words give you strength to take the leap:

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, [Jeshurun is an affectionate name for Israel]
who rides across the heavens to help you
and on the clouds in his majesty.
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’
So Israel will live in safety;
Jacob will dwell  secure
in a land of grain and new wine,
where the heavens drop dew.
Blessed are you, Israel!
Who is like you,
a people saved by the Lord?
He is your shield and helper
and your glorious sword…”
Deut 33: 26-29 (NIV)

What fear do you want to face this year? What do you need to surrender to Him? Whatever it is, your God will ride across the heavens to help you.

Are you ready? Jump friend! And remember - underneath are His everlasting arms.

If you never read the post about the first time my kids went skydiving, it’s one of my favorites! You can find it here.
And here’s a little video I made about our jump…