Zip lining through a beautiful rain forest in Guatemala was a wonderful experience. With every trip, my eyes were overwhelmed by the waterfalls, Lake Atitlan and the vast green mountainside. I loved it and was sad when I went on the last course. I wanted more!
At the bottom there was something else for us to do. It looked like a serious of swings that you needed to step on, one at a time, to get to the end. There was a pile that everyone had thrown their gloves on before starting, so I also threw mine on top. I giggled to myself as I watched people wobble their way across."I can do better than that", I proudly declared to myself.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
As I fell off the swing I received an excruciating rope burn on my left hand. As I sat there I asked, "Can somebody help me?" Nobody came. Lots of people gave me suggestions, but nobody could do it for me. Each time I tried to pull myself up the rope burn flared up, like a hot coal on my hand. "You can do it", I whimpered.
At this point my whole team was watching and I felt the pressure of not being the "old lady" who fell and couldn't get up!
I heard my husband's voice directing me and encouraging me. As long as I listened to his voice I was comforted, directed and eventually victorious. When I got to the end of the course I went directly to the bathroom, placed my burning fingers under the water and yes, I began to cry!
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Here are the lessons that I learned from this experience;
- Don't judge others.
- Things are more difficult than they may appear.
- If you fall, there is only one voice that you should listen to.
- His voice will lead and guide you if you will follow His directions.
- There are consequences to falling, and it may cause you pain.
Father, help me to hear your voice and yours alone! Thank you for leading and guiding me. Jann
