In what seems like ten lifetimes ago, my soul lived in coaching God’s children (of all ages) to reach beyond the stars and touch the Heavens. However, you know what? I taught all entrusted to my guidance that not a ladder, but a teeter-totter was our vehicle of choice to reach our dreams. Today, my heart sinks as I observe the world pushing ladders by the scores, with a teeter-totter on no one’s radar. Is it any wonder the current dismal state of mankind and planet earth.
Twenty-first Century society lectures that success in life comes from climbing over others to reach the top. Triumph and fame result only if you are rungs higher than anyone else. Herein, lies a root of present-day decay in all areas of life. God’s children were not created to “one-up” their fellow sisters and brothers. Only God reigns supreme. Children of God were born not to uplift themselves but to rise up and praise God, as well as to comfort each other during the ups and downs of life in this fallen world.
It is not wrong to train one to reach for, and possibly attain, becoming a champion. However, ladder climbing, at best, only results in a winner. Learning to ride the teeter-totter is the sole (and soul) route to being a champion. Every single aspect of attaining any goal has up and down moments. Only by learning to accept, understand and overcome these ups and downs will one (in a healthy, happy and Holy state of mind, body and soul) cross their finish line goals. In every state of existence (not just the athletic arena) lasting harm is done by instilling a “climb over and higher than others” mentality into our athletes — as well as our families, employees, and even congregations.
Plain and simple, getting to any, and all, significant height is not a vertical leap. It is learning to ride the ups and downs of life with deep belief that God is beside you whether you are up or down, and “…if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.”. Matthew 17:20 (ESV)
To all who know me personally and have visited my home, now you understand why a “Teeter-Totter” porcelain figurine “crowns” the top of my bookcase!!!
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 