Early last Sunday morning I was walking to church. Fresh snow covered the ground after a brief thaw the previous day. Snow boots on, a familiar path on the grass to avoid ice, and a few moments of quiet to prepare my heart for worship team.
“Lord, thank you for this new day. Thank you for the quiet, for allowing me to serve you at all in any capacity, please bless the ministry this morning, and….”
BAM.
Flat on my back. Assessing possible damage after my neck snapped like a good visit to my chiropractor. I slowly got up. Realization hit. All of those reels on social media showing older women they need to practice how to get up from the ground if they fall? Actually created with me walking to church in mind.
Astonished, stunned, and nothing more than my pride wounded.
“Thank you, Lord, really.”
Sure enough, a frozen ice patch had been disguised under fresh snow. I cautiously stepped away and humbly strategized the remaining steps to church.
Three thoughts came to mind about falling flat last Sunday morning:
- I may need studs on my winter boots like the ones on our car tires.
- Nothing reminds you of your frail humanity like being slammed to the ground and looking up into the vast sky.
- Falling down is a part of life. Getting back up with God’s kind help to recover, move, and keep going? That’s living. (Quote source unknown, other than a concept I liked from Pinterest – Click for Link)
Have you fallen? Take a moment. Cry out, get your bearings, and give the situation to God. He is for you. Psalm 46:1 assures us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Are you trying to get back up? It takes strength that maybe you never knew you had; it may be clumsy, it may take a try or two, you may even lose your footing on that tricky “ice” again, but keep climbing back up.
Have you succeeded in finding your way “back”? That’s a joy that must be given to God in praise, and then used to help others making their way up behind you.
What is one way God has helped you when you’ve fallen flat?
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
Sharon O’Connor is a two-time colon cancer survivor (NED since 2013). Cancer treatment and the healing journey have Sharon convinced the only thing stronger than fear is hope. She shares personal thoughts and tangible strategies that have helped her personal healing journey. Sharon continues following Hope.