tripping and not falling
physically and spiritually
My wife Banu and I are living in my mother’s basement and garage, for the time being. (And yes, I’m ready for the jokes.)
There is something more to say, and perhaps it’s safe to put it this way: there are a number of obstructions which present themselves. More than the occasional item provides an obstacle course. That alone necessitates a challenge to dexterity.
Case in point, when I was younger, I was never the strongest nor the fastest. However, I did have a certain belief in my agility — as noted for example in my performance in dodgeball. At my school, we didn’t observe any professional rules. We simply took turns, with one team encircling the other. As players were eliminated, they took their place in the circle and took shots at the remaining players inside. More than once, I was the final player dodging the ball. It amounted to a playful way of being stoned to death.
Adding to the voluntary obstructions are the several tripping hazards supplied by raised concrete and bricks, both inside and outside the house. In other words, a moment’s inattention can lead to a fall. Actually, even a decent level of awareness could result in an unfortunate encounter with a rock-hard floor. A good old whack from an intruding object might also make an appearance on the way down.
My failure to complete the fall has not gone unnoticed by myself and Banu. To God be the glory! The sheer frequency of these near mishaps has been a physical marvel. And sad to say, my fading agility has been stretched to the limit.
Again, please understand, I do not want to tempt fate!
What has not gone unnoticed is the spiritual protection. It really does seem like the Lord, angels, positive energy…whatever can be credited. God has been at work. God has been at work against demons and negative energy.
There is a broader, more expansive lesson for life in general. I lost count many years ago (even if I were attempting to count) the times disaster has passed me by. Disasters regarding health, car accidents, foolish social encounters, and too many other things to recall have somehow dodged me. (How about that allusion to dodgeball?)
I know we all have similar stories.
We have tripped and yet not fallen. But even if we trip and fall down to the grave, plunging into the pit, our story is not over.
There is one who tripped and fell into a grave and was permitted a way back.
