Slacklining is a balance sport which utilizes tubular
nylon
webbing stretched tight between two
anchor points.
I got the definition from Wikipedia. I got the rush and excitement from college. It sounds crazy and I know looks outrageously stupid to some but it’s also wildly addicting.
My first time on a slackline was after a freshman orientation week of camping before classes started. I walked up to it and was impressed by the smooth balance displayed by experienced slackliners. Smuggly I stepped up, thinking my years as a tumbler had given me more than enough training to show them how a beginner could do it. Yeah, I showed them – how to fall…quickly. I never got on again for another 3 years. Some people set it up right outside of the housing apartments on campus and once you get on you’ll find it’s hard to get off. The greatest thing to me in watching slacklining now is not the cool tricks that one can pull of but the ability to get back up after you’ve fallen off or completely wiped out.
I
heard it said once that walking on the slackline is like your walk with God. Once you’re up on the slackline – way to go, two points for you – now start walking. The key is to keep your eyes up and focus on a non-moving target infront of you. If you look down or to the side you’re probably more likely to fall off.
It sounds simple enough: keep your eyes on God. For so long I testified that I was walking with Jesus hand in hand. Recently I was reminded that it’s not just the hand your focus should be on (the giving and blessings the Lord showers on us) but His face, the Lord’s heart, God Himself. Anything else will just make you fall.
So today I was glad that tempuratures in Michigan rose above zero. (**normally done without shoes – today that wasn’t an option) The slickline was pulled out and I was joyfully reminded where my focus should be. Here’s a picture of one of our campers giving it a try. Yet, another way to parallel it to life – the Lord places people around you for a shoulder to lean on, a way to learn from their mistakes, plus it’s also more fun to slackline with a friend. Just remember they can’t be there forever. You can’t replace God for them. Keep the focus and grow in Him!
