Get Back Up!
I was riding high, literally. Around 200 feet high, as a matter of fact, parasailing in Acapulco.
It was in the early 1980’s, back when I had more guts than brains. Ceci and I were on the last day of a short vacation in this tourist hot spot. I had been watching others parasail the entire time we were there, seeing boats pull individuals from off the beach, high into the air, and across the beautiful water. Airborne adrenaline junkies would soar effortlessly for 10 minutes, enjoying their freedom from the bonds of the earth. Then, amazingly, the boat would make a quick turn and the “skyrider” would be whipped back over the beach. To the amazement and cheers of us less-adventurous spectators, they would land softly on the sand…and accept everyone’s applause. They didn't even get their feet wet!
Incredible.
As a young man I had often wanted to parachute. Actually, I had wondered what it would be like, is closer to the truth. But I was smart enough not to try it before getting married. Ceci then asked me not to, which became my face-saving excuse not to jump out of an airplane. Maybe parasailing would satisfy my curiosity, I thought as I watched. Logic prevailed, however, and I decided I wasn’t quite THAT curious.
Then Ceci spoke up. “That looks pretty awesome.”
As you may know, young males have an overwhelming need to impress the ladies in their lives, demonstrating fearlessness and their ability to rise above any challenge. “Aw, it doesn’t look that difficult,” I replied in my best matter-of-fact, any-guy-could-do-it tone. “Nothing to it, really. All you do is get a running start on the beach and the boat does the rest. I’d do it, but you probably wouldn’t want me to. Besides, it’s not worth the money.”
To my absolute horror, she responded excitedly, “Oh, I wouldn't mind. In fact, I’d love to see you do it; and it’s not really that expensive. Give it a try!”
“Oh, my God,” I cried in my mind, “get me out of this!!!”
“Get yourself out of it,” I heard inwardly, “you got yourself into it.”
Thinking quickly, I said, “Oh, I know you’re just saying that for me, dear. I realize you would be terrified if I did it, but thanks for thinking of me. I won’t put you through the stress.”
"No, really, I want you to. It would make a great picture and, besides, what could go wrong? Go for it!”
I felt trapped. Foolishly, I replied, “Yeah, what could go wrong? Okay.”
There are times in a man’s life when the thing to do is fake an injury, come up with an unexplainable headache, or maybe even - God forbid - humble himself, admit he’s an egotistical male and repent. But I decided to save face, and prove my manhood.
Now, with God’s sense of justice and humor, do you really think He was going to allow that?!
As I stated, this was the final day of our stay. Actually, it was the last morning. We had checked out of our room and would be leaving for the airport in an hour or so. Therefore, I was not wearing my swimming trunks, but was dressed in travel clothes, right down to my watch. I mentioned this to Ceci in one final attempt at escape. “It’ll be fine,” she stated. “After all, you don’t even touch the water.”
I should have known this experience didn't always go as planned when they made me sign that release form!
I was the first customer of the day. Takeoff was fairly routine and within seconds I was 200 feet high, enjoying a bird’s eye view of the water and beach. Being the first patron of the day, they began by pulling me along the shore, only 50 or so yards out, using me as advertisement.
And I was actually enjoying it! This really was easy, a real high (pun intended). People along the beach were waving at me, cheering me on. I was the center of attention; Ceci was so proud. I, of course, waved back in a not-too-demonstrative, this-is no-big-deal sort of way. Just being my cool self.
Then…
You knew it was coming. Why else would I tell this story? Suddenly, I had the strange sensation that the water was coming closer. A second later I KNEW it was getting closer. Another second and I hit the water with a huge splash, tangled in ropes and a parasail!
It’s a dream, a BAD dream. This is impossible, I thought.
Realizing that I had never tasted salt water in a dream, the revelation that it wasn’t a dream and was very possible came quickly. I swam to the boat, which had experienced engine failure, and was pulled aboard. Now I truly was cool - wet and cold. (Actually, the water right around me was warm for just a few seconds. Not sure why.)
The driver of the boat finally got it restarted and we drove back to the launch point. Of course, the boat couldn’t get all the way onto the beach, so I jumped out, did my best “it’s no big deal, in fact, it was kinda fun” swagger, as I waded back onto the beach. Then I shouted, “That was awesome!”
It worked - everyone was fooled, even Ceci. To this day I don’t think she knows the anger, embarrassment, and humiliation I actually felt. Guys can hide this stuff. I changed clothes in the men’s room, headed to the airport, and flew home with another made memory.
Believe it or not, I began one of the chapters in my book, Intercessory Prayer, with this story. “A spoonful of sugar…” as they say.
Rough Landings
Today, I’m using it simply to bring some laughter and state the obvious: things don’t always end up as we planned. Engines fail, the landing isn’t always as expected, and yes, we get wet. When this occurs, we must get back in the boat - like even the great apostle, Peter, had to do - and determine not to give up.
Faith does not equate to a life without failures, but to a life that grabs the Master’s hand, gets back in the boat, changes clothes, and keeps moving forward. You won’t win every battle, but if you get up, learn from the setback and keep moving forward, you will win the war.
Press on, my friend. Press on.
Pray with me:
Father, we pray today for those who have experienced hard landings. Some even now are struggling to get up. Put the right person or people in their path to help them up. Bring the right understanding to motivate and guide them onward. Encourage them. For those who may be wavering in their faith, resurrect hope, restore that faith, and reawaken a dreaming heart.
And as we watch this sick world wander around in the darkness, when it looks like evil is winning and justice is losing, remind them of Your power and promises. Remind them of Christ’s victory, and of His willingness to save and heal this sick world. Remind them of past revivals and awakenings. Pick them up and urge them forward.
We declare today that we ARE overcomers. We ARE more than conquerors through our Savior who loves us. The Greater One DOES live within us. The former and latter rains ARE coming, bringing a harvest of such magnitude that the plowman WILL overtake the reaper. And yes, America SHALL be saved!
We ask and decree this in the name of He who still walks on water. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that at the Master’s instruction, we WILL get out of the boat.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
Portions of today’s post were taken from my book, Intercessory Prayer.
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God has exposures of which Kodak and Fuji ought be jealous! And now cell phones keep us hidden. Come out, come out, wherever you are! Yeshua adores you!