I remember as a kid going to the General Dynamics community swimming pool (now it's the Lockeed Martin pool). Back then you could jump off one of the platforms into the pool. I will never forget the excitement of waiting in line to climb the ladder to get to the platform. Then the fear once you made it and your toes were dangling over the concrete slab. Man, I hated that feeling. I remember looking over the edge and the water being what seems like a mile away with the strange glisten of concrete awaiting my arrival.
You look up and notice that there are a lot of people looking at you (maybe they weren't but you feel they are). You think that lifeguard just blew his whistle as a warning for you to get off or he will be forced to shoot you off the platform. The kids below are getting restless and you hear the most feared word of all little boys "CHICKEN!!!"
For me going back down was not an option, but neither was jumping from the edge. So what I had to do was take about 8 steps back and just go for it. Run so fast that your momentum won't let you rethink it, even if you wanted to. I call this point, "THE GERONIMO LINE".
Truth is, I still face moments like this on the platforms of life. Times when our fears will try to prohibit the adventure we are am on. When the fears in our heads exaggerate what the water looks like and how other people will view us. When you know the reward is greater than the risk but you still hesitate.
Now, I'm not saying that all fear is bad. In fact, I believe that fear can be a proper motivator and protector at times. But fear that keeps you from going on God-sized adventures can be the most damaging fear of all. Because every time you give in you loose a little piece of the spark that makes you incredible.
Any adventure that is worth going on will require more from you than you thought you had in you. It will require you to cross a "Geronimo Line", where you have to jump and get passed the point of no return. You can choose not to and end up with a very good, very safe existence. OR... you can jump, screaming, arms flailing, deep into an adventure that sees good as the enemy of great and helps you get just one step closer to the person you are meant to be and the life you are called to live.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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