How to Skydive Safely

Should you ever wish to skydive, there are two main options available. You can either receive extensive training to become qualified to jump alone or you can receive a few hours of training and jump in tandem with an expert.

Before we started our family, my husband and I tried skydiving where we opted for a tandem jump. After a few hours of learning what to expect and practicing positions, we suited up and walked to the plane. Once in the air, our instructors attached themselves securely to us. We were placed in front while they were behind wearing the parachute.

Walking to the door attached to another person was a bit of an adventure, but knowing an expert was with me all the way gave me confidence. Together my instructor and I stood at the threshold of the open door and, with one step forward, began free-falling into nothingness. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. I loved it. My husband, not so much.

Jumping tandem was the perfect way to try the sport. It was still scary to jump out of a perfectly good airplane but the fear level was not the same had I been alone. Strapped to an expert, I didn’t have to have all the answers or know what exactly to do. It wasn’t all up to me. I needed to do a small part and then I could enjoy the experience. I had confidence in the expert to pull the rip chord at just the right time to slow our descent and guide us to a safe landing.

The same is true in life. It's not necessary for you to have all the answers or to know exactly what to do. It's not all up to you. God is in control. As His child, you are not alone. Even in the most frightening trials, if you remain yoked with Christ, your ultimate safety is secured. Do your part and leave the rest to Him. You can be confident that He will slow any free-falls and guide you to a perfect landing.

Would I skydive again? Perhaps, when our daughter is fully grown and gone I might jump again. But what I know for certain is that in daily life I never want to jump alone.

Message for the Journey:
Whether you are going through a time of joy floating like a cloud or free-falling through a season of trials, there is only one certainty of achieving a safe landing when it comes to the end of life’s adventure. Those yoked in tandem with Christ will be secure while those who go it alone will meet disastrous results. No matter how turbulent your fall, remain confident that the ultimate Expert is with you guiding your descent.

(original post 7-2011)

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.