My family and I are currently vacationing in the Philippines. The other day, we went zip lining at Hannah 's Beach Resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The resort prides itself as being the longest zip line to go over water in the world!
Taken from my Galaxy S4
I am afraid of heights, so this was definitely a fear of mine going into it. I'm the type of person that thinks of the worst case scenarios before these things go down:
-Will the wire snap?
-Will my harness go undone?
-Will I fall in the water and drown?
-Will I fall in the water and get eaten by a [non-existing] shark in the beach?
-Will lightning strike me while I'm up there?
And my personal favorite...
-Will my hair get caught on something, rip off my head and be all painful and gross looking?
Anyone with me? Or am I just crazy?
I've accepted that I am crazy. But I knew that if I did not do this, there was a high probability that I would leave this vacation and the Philippines with much regret.
My hubby, cousins, brother and dad all ready to go!
I was afraid, nervous and anxious every step of the way: from buying the tickets, putting on the gear, the drive up to the zip lining area, walking up the stairs to the platform, to stepping on to the deck. I told the worker a few times I was not ready for step off. And even when I thought I was, I told the guy, "Wait, I'm not ready yet," and told him I needed to pray. He probably thought I was crazy, as did my family.
Getting ready before take off! Taken by my cousin.
Then, it was time to take the push and go! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared even after take off. Just seeing how far up I was and imagining one of my scary scenarios coming true had me screaming. But then, I started focusing on other things. I focused on the lush greenery and the beautiful shades of blue and green and clearness of the water. All the sudden, my fears and anxiety turned into joy, peace, awe and gratitude. I could not help but be in awe of God for the beauty that was in front of me and how blessed I was that I got to experience it.
You can faintly see the line over the beach. The beginning was on the top of the greenery on the mountain. So beautiful!
In life, we are afraid to take many risks, especially with big decisions. Sometimes it can be which college to attend, our marriage, who we should continue dating, our careers, a job opportunity, what school our child should go to, etc. We think of the possible worst case [sometimes unrealistic] scenarios, and they can sometimes paralyze us and deprive us of an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity that will leave us with such peace and awe. Can it still be scary? Of course. Will the wind and rain fall on us and go against us after we make the jump? Possibly. Will we regret taking the leap? Sometimes. But it is much better than living with the regret of what could have been if we did not at least try.
Alan enjoying! 2 seconds later, it started raining.
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be feared or be dismayed." (Deuteronomy 31.8) God is with you through the scary times. He is with you through the rain, and He is with you in the joy. Take a risk and take the step my friend. You never know what you are missing out on. The beauty of life is such that if we do not like a decision we made, there can still be another one we can make to bring us to where we want to be.
Lots of love,
Phoebe Grace