I freely admit that I am not a jock, nor have I ever been but I have watched hikers more competent and accomplished than I huffing and puffing up that long incline.  It’s not for the incline that I torture myself every week.  It’s for the sheer joy of running down that mountain, letting gravity convince me that I am good and I am fast.
 
Two weeks ago, after admiring the vista at the top of the lookout, I joyfully began my descent.  Great tunes were playing in my Ipod and the freedom I felt was exhilarating.  With Jim beside me life was sweet.  We laughed as Jim almost lost his balance on the sharp shale rocks.  Ten seconds later he slipped again, and this time I doubled over with gales of laughter.  I thought he was goofing off and being silly which really made me belly laugh.  I should have taken note that if my athletic husband almost slipped twice I, the uncoordinated type, needed to be very careful.  Ten seconds later I was face down on the jagged rocks, the wind knocked out of me, blood spurting from my torn knee and elbows and hands scraped and bleeding.  Frankly, I felt like an idiot - an incompetent, blubbering idiot.  My whole body shook as Jim gently helped me to my feet.  He tried to softly comfort me and seemed alarmed at the gash in my knee and the blood pouring down my leg and into my running shoe.  We sat on a log to access the damage.  I knew it was going to be difficult to get down the rest of the hill but there was no other way than on my own two feet. 

I learned a couple of powerful life lessons that day:  While this was a natural fall, I couldn’t help but think about when I have fallen spiritually and disappointed myself, others, and most importantly, God.

1)    Be careful – you never know when you might fall.  No matter how strong we are as Christians we get tripped up by our own weaknesses or by our enemy who wants to take us out.

2)    If you fall, it’s best to lean on a friend.  When your friend falls, or almost falls,  it’s preferable to be non-judgmental and supportive.

3)  Understand that everyone, even strong Christians can stumble and sometimes fall.

4)    After you fall, you need to take time to let others help you.  I was ever so grateful for each person in emergency who assisted me.  In my spiritual life, I am ever so grateful for those who care about my soul and run to my rescue. 

5)    When others assist you – it really can hurt.  The nurse had to make sure that every bit of gravel and dirt was washed out of my wounds.  She was aggressive and bold and it really stung.  It even hurt more when the doctor stitched me up.  When friends love you they will be truthful with you – even if it hurts.  All sin must be cleansed or it festers and infects us.  Friends are bold in their questions, their correction and in their love.  They say what God puts on their heart, as gently as they can, even when they know it will hurt you.

6)    It takes time to heal.  You must be patient with yourself and with your weakness.  You will walk again.  You will run again.  But you won’t be as cocky and when you see others fall your heart will go out to them.  You know your own weakness and propensity to fall and you will learn to extend a hand of grace to your fellow hikers.

I’d like to close with the words of a spiritual leader who knew all about what it means to fall.  He wrote these words to the Corinthian church:

“Don’t be so naïve and self-confident.  You’re not exempt.  You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else.  Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless.  Cultivate God-confidence.”

I’ve learned a powerful lesson.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m not yet done.  I’m heading back to Teapot Hill of Death taking with me my best friend Jim, my Ipod, and a healthy dose of  humility!