Most people have at least one thing they are afraid of doing. Think of something you fear (or have feared), and write an essay that explains how to tackle that thing you’ve been afraid of.
I used to say that I would never go skydiving. I called it “tempting fate.” Even the thought of jumping out of an airplane would bring visions of me descending thousands of feet only to pull my rip cord and have it be stuck; of course I would then be plummeting to my death. No thank you! I’ll pass! I have to say though; I’ve recently had a change of heart. After going through some tough times I have reevaluated my life and taken a drastically different approach to living it. I have reconsidered skydiving and I think it will be an incredible experience! With a well laid plan and the right jumping buddy, I know I will be able to follow through.
The morning of the jump I will need to avoid eating at IHOP or Denny’s for breakfast. I’m absolutely positive that the grease factor will not mix well with digestive juices churning in my stomach. These tumultuous waves in my gut will be due to the adrenalin coursing through my veins every time I think of stepping off of the edge of the little jump plane into that freefall moment. Pancakes, eggs and bacon are out of the question. Maybe something simpler like cream of wheat and orange juice or toast and water.
Next, it will be of utmost importance for me to put on my courageous pants. I will need to give myself pep talks, lots of them. They will need to start at least a week ahead of time. The intensity of these “talks” will need to increase if any plaguing thoughts of doom should attempt to make their way into my mind to try and deter me away from my experience. Playing some motivational DVD’s is also an option. Listening to them throughout the night as I am sleeping may help my subconscious to take them in, further preparing me for the big day.
Thirdly, I will need to call all of my friends and family to let them know I will be taking on this amazing feat. This will give them the opportunity to come and be a part of this incredible first in my life. We will all celebrate together after I approach the drop zone and land safely. This may also ignite a spark in them to consider making their own jump!
The prayer team will need to be notified of this event. This will be for the sake of a prayer covering. I will request prayer before, during, and after the big jump. I will need the team to pray for my heart and mind to be ready. Anointing me with oil at a special ceremony at church might be helpful! (Also before I go up in the plane, and again before I jump; extra never hurts) I will also ask for a team of intercessors to be interceding during the time of my jump. I will ask them to pray in the spirit to ensure all bases are covered. Psalm 91 will be the focus, with an emphasis on verse 16 which states “with long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (New International Version, Psalm 91.16). I will also request for a group to be waiting for me in the drop zone; of course they will be “praying me through.” When I touch ground we will offer up a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
Finally, I will need to have the proper skydiving partner. This of course will have to be my son, Austin. His leadership skills will be indispensable that day. I will have him there to speak life to me should I begin to faint while waiting for the big moment. I will also need his sense of reason if mine flies out the window. His encouraging words will be what propels me forward and empowers me to take that big step off the side of the airplane into the winds of freedom! And if I forget where I’m at in the midst of the freefall, he will surely shout to remind me to pull the rip cord on my parachute right in time! Most of all, having Austin as my skydiving partner will ensure that my first skydiving experience is just what it should be, F-U-N!
As you can see, I have got a strategic plan all laid out. This plan will ensure that any fear that tries to raise its head will be met with solid resistance. I believe if I stick to my plan, I will have a blast, and remain alive all at the same time! Life was meant for living and you only live once. You should live well, do the best you can, and not sweat the small stuff. You should tell the people you care about you love them, and make the most of the time you’ve been given. I’m going skydiving!
