This post was originally posted in November of 2010. My pastor tweeted that it was the best blog post he read that day. He tweeted something this week that got a volatile reaction. It reminded me that people need to back off that ledge. In case you missed here is once again “Back Off That Ledge.”
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This post is not about basketball.
Last off season Lebron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwayne Wade in Miami. A huge over reaction occurred immediately. The media went crazy, fans formed opinions, and most people crowned them the next NBA champions. One analyst went so far as to say that they would beat Michael Jordan’s Bulls record of 72 wins in a season. Currently their record is 8 and 7 and they have lost 3 straight. Now the analysts are on a ledge and declaring panic. The problem is that they play 82 games and we are a long ways from the playoffs. How quickly the analysts forget last year’s Boston Celtics. The Celtics were not good last year during the regular season and yet they were one game (and an injury) away from winning the title. But this post isn’t really about basketball…
Most of us live out on the ledge. We panic too quickly. We rush to conclusions. We climb out the window, stand on the ledge, and threaten to jump because it’s just too bad. I’ve been there.
The problem is that most of the things we freak out about aren’t really that big of a deal. In fact most of the things we worry about never happen. Think about it…what was the last thing you worried about? Most of the time it’s hypothetical worries that consume us. What if she leaves? What if they don’t like me? What if I lose my job? What if I fail? We create scenarios and then freak out about them. We create drama because we forget that the outcome hasn’t been written.
Whenever I’m on the ledge it is a clear picture that my perception is out of whack. It shows that I’m overestimating my problem and underestimating my God. I overestimate how bad things really are or will be and I underestimate an all powerful being. The God who parted the Red Sea, helped a Shepherd boy slay a Giant, and even raised the dead is the same God who can handle our situation. What are you freaking out about? Take a deep breath and back off that ledge.
I’m hoping that the Miami Heat don’t win a title. I’m a Lakers fan! At the same time I think it’s too early to hit the panic button. We don’t know how it’s going to end. Like I said though…this is not about basketball.
Well put. 🙂 That volatile reaction from the tweet very much intrigued me– that in particular didn't bring me anywhere close to the ledge, but other things in life, too, and it a great reminder that sometimes being chill = trusting God.
On another note… Amanda & I are in NC this weekend and we are kind of stalking you & Monica's facebook page for updates!
Susan, thanks. We will keep everyone updated.
I remember this one. Still just as full of yummy goodness the second time around.
Rob,
I too was very intrigued by Stu's tweet and the response and almost posted a comment : ) however, I resisted. I honestly don't pretend to have all the answers BUT with the situation we have been in for 16 months I can say that God can handle ANYTHING. We were laid off in Nov. of 09 and in March 10 found out my husband had brain cancer. We joked all the time about what if some thing big happens without insurance like my crazy 8 year old falls out of a tree : ) Anyway, here we are 16 months later and doing OK. My husband had surgery, 11 days in ICU, Cancer treatments and is now working 2 part time jobs still waiting for full time BUT I am pretty confident now that pretty much nothing can take me to that what if ledge again. I am NOT saying I don't think about it, I do BUT I know if HE can part the Red Sea and bring my husband with me every week to WEC He can take care of whatever!!! Thanks for the post.
P.S. We are stalking you guys as well: ) and praying for you! My kids are so excited. My daughter was calculating how long the twins would take to be in the 2 year old room where she volunteers and if she would be gone off to college by then.I think she might get to have them for a short time : )
Wow Kim. What a great testimony. Thanks for the comment. And I hope that she does get some time with them when they are two.
i think some people just need to get over themselves…hmm…would love to know wha tthe controversial tweet was…
I am glad this is not about basketball because I understood none of the sports references here. Sorry, it's not a world with which I am familiar. I have spent years learning how to NOT be reactive. It is natural to react. It is unnatural (or supernatural- I have to ask for the Spirit's help) to recognize the reactivity tendency and see the bigger picture.
When I find myself being reactive, I feel a tug in my spirit that reminds me to look at the big picture. I believe there is a divine plan, that my Creator really is at the helm and when I crash into the rocks, he'll be there to heal, forgive and restore.
I also believe that the quicker I realize I am being reactive and not proactive, the sooner I am on the path to better resolution. Panic is only necessary when bodily fluids are involved. Even then, it's best to try to remain level headed and respond appropriately. Praying for your upcoming experience with bodily fluids. = )