Growing up, my family had an outdoor trampoline. Those fifteen feet of fabric stretched between that steel frame brought all four of us siblings together. My older and much larger, brother, liked to send us younger siblings flying in the air with what he called a "power jump." I can still hear my sister's giggles and see her blonde hair floating in the air after each bounce. Soaring and leaping was almost like therapy for my little brother as he would need extra time if his day had been particularly exacting. We siblings have fourteen years between us and are very different but we all have found memories of jumping together.
Recently, my little family of three visited some friends that moved an hour away. These friends have taken on some big goals with the opening of their coffee shop and starting a home church. They also got their daughter a long awaited horse, and the wife had a transplant last year! As you can see, they have had a lot going on in their lives.
This week, in my prayer time, I saw a picture of the husband/father jumping on a trampoline. Later, I realized, the symbolism. Trampolining is full of excitement, fun, a little danger, a lot of exertion but I noticed. . . the lack of advancement.
When faced with new challenges, isn't that exactly how it feels sometimes?
Honestly, I can relate. Some of the projects I have taken on feel like they are not moving forward. Yet, the Lord has not changed my direction. Fortunately, I am still enjoying myself, but I do have questions.
Last week, I blogged about the expression of the human experience with few answers to heart-felt questions in the book of Job. My current situation is nothing like what Job went through, but it's nice to remember I am not alone in my uncertainty.
Job faced unspeakable tragedy and by chapter 13, had two requests of God. The first appeal varies depending on the Bible translation.
Some translations say Job asked first that God would not abandon him, and secondly, that God would not terrify him. The idea is that Job wanted to commune with God but did not want to be too afraid in God's powerful presence.
Other translations say that Job asked God first to stop the oppression he was under before asking that God would not allow him to be too afraid for a discussion.
Either way, Job wanted to have a conversation with God. As we know, God did not give Job the answers he wanted, but He did speak to him.
When God speaks, His words are enough. We may want the tragedy or tension in our lives to come to an end, but ultimately, God is in control.
Often, we look for the silver lining in order to comfort ourselves, but a true tragedy has none. Or at least not one our human understanding can grasp.
Tension is something we understand a little more. Stretching and strain can be unpleasant, but we have plenty of examples of their benefits.
If you are dealing with tension, you are most likely growing. You may or may not have within your power the ability to release the pull of stress, but you will decide how you will change under the pressure.
My friends are doing well. They are closer than ever with each other and God. Faith, love, identity, purpose, and life all rely on and stem from connection. Tension and even tragedy can strength our attachments.
What areas of your life have tension? Are you keeping a dialog with God? How might God want to transform you?
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