Learning to Jump

Amidst the questions, uncertainty and sleepless nights, the slower rhythm of this social distancing has been a welcomed change for this toddler mom.  

Time to just enjoy the fleeting moments of toddlerhood.  This sweet time when my son is learning at exponential rates. Everyday, it seems there’s a new word, a new skill. It does one good to slow down and marvel at the growth. 

Today’s skill was jumping.  And let me start by saying, we have not mastered this skill.  

We, meaning my son, and yes, you guessed it, me.

Yes, physically I do know how to jump (no need to freak out people), but metaphorical jumping? That's no easy feat.

I’m wondering if you’ve ever learned to jump?

The setup

When you live in the Midwest, winter takes more than its fair share of the seasonal pie. Add a global pandemic and social distancing to the mix and you can practically hear your body begging for some vitamin D. Okay so maybe it was actually my son standing at the glass door screaming to go outside. All I know is, the sun finally came out this morning and we were here for it. 

Learning to Jump

Have you ever watched a little kid learning how to jump? It’s adorable. So awkward and uncoordinated, but delightful in so many ways. He stands back far from the ledge, slowly inching forward, turning slightly sideways as if he’s not so sure he should be getting closer to the ledge, but still inching forward. Then the arms start swinging back and forth in exaggerated hopeful movements.  His little knees bend and straighten, up and down as he begins getting his head into it. The look of determination covers his face. 

Here Goes Nothing

Eventually he gets close enough (sometimes not quite close enough) to attempt his jump. His newness at this is evident as he awkwardly steps off the ledge sometimes landing on his feet, oftentimes tumbling to the ground. He gets up, looks at the ledge as if trying to figure out why it didn’t work. Then he steps up, runs several feet back away from the ledge and starts again. 

Have you learned to Jump?

Has the sudden jolt from the monotony of your everyday life brought to the forefront of your mind an area of life you need to grow in? Is it time to learn to jump?

If you’ve been standing back a safe distance from the ledge, hoping someday you will just magically know how to jump, can I just shoot you straight? You won’t. Learning to jump takes practice- and practice requires ACTION!  

How to Jump According to a Toddler.  

1. You can start right from where you’re at.  Even if you’re miles away from the ledge, determine today to start inching your way closer. 

2. You don’t have to have it all figured out, He gives wisdom to those who ask and His mercies are new every morning.

3. Just start moving. Swing those arms, bob that head, inch your way forward.

4. It’s okay if it feels awkward. We all feel that way.

5. Be willing to just go for it!

6. You might fall. You’re human. You’re learning. Not everything we jump into will be a raging success.Get back up and try again!

What are You Waiting For?

If you’re waiting until you have all the pieces in place to ensure success, you’ll miss the joy in the jump. If there’s anything our current circumstances have taught us, it’s none of us have a pandemic proof plan. 

It is good and wise to plan and prepare, but at some point, you’re going to have to stop trusting in your plans and trust in the Lord!

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” Psalm 20:7

JUMP

If you’ve been dragging your feet, bogged down by the what-ifs and lulled into inaction by the busy-ness of life, take a little time during this season to learn to jump.

It takes a lifetime of jumps to grow in our ability to trust Him as we realize that not every jump will be a perfect 10 landing, but with every jump He is faithful.

I’m not suggesting we live recklessly for the sake of living recklessly.  What I am suggesting is that we stop letting fear, uncertainty and a lack of control keep us from experiencing the joy and thrill that comes from jumping off the ledge of all our fancy detailed plans and into the deep waters of what God has been waiting to show us.

I really believe in this time of uncertainty, sacrifices and so many changes, God is going to move in big ways. I know I, for one, am hungry to see what’s in store for me and for you.

***

1. What jump do you need to practice today in order to be ready for the bigger jump waiting tomorrow?

2.  Who will you tell TODAY about the jump you need to make so that you can be encouraged and challenged to make that jump?

3.  Are you trusting in your plans or trusting in the God who has good plans for you? (Jeremiah 29:11)