Platform Diving

We have a friend from Temperance Michigan who was an accomplished diver at the University of Toledo.  I've always been impressed at how these divers jump from such amazing heights, twisting and contorting their bodies as gravity hurls them towards the surface of the water where their goal is to enter as gently and quietly as possible.  I don't know about you, but personally, jumping is the last thing running through my mind when I stand on a platform like that.  I'd much rather walk back from the edge and set up camp right there for a bit.  It's my natural instinct.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the spaces we inhabit as the Body of Christ.  Some of our spaces are buildings with steeples, some look like movie theatres, some are storefronts, some have pews and others have chairs.  Though these spaces are important I must confess I have at times forgotten they are not the point.  I was reminded of this again at Free Coffee Friday this morning as I watched members of our Body holding signs, waving at cars, pouring cups of coffee for the daycare workers down the street, or simply talking for a few minutes to talk with someone who may wonder if anyone sees them.  I was reminded that the real point is people.  People like Stephanie, Tameeka, and the security guard from WalMart.  People like Michelle, Brooke, Chad, Dave, Angela and Becky.  The space we inhabit is really just a platform.  It's the platform from which we dive together into the deep waters of the Kingdom, climb out soaking wet and invite others to come take the next plunge with us.

It's not my natural instinct.  I'd much rather sit on the sideline and watch others do it.  But when you look at the faces of those who have just come back up from diving in something inside you pulls you toward the lader.  Full of fear and anxiety you work your way to the edge where you stand face to face with the reality you have known and the one awaiting you as you step forward.  At this platform when you reach that spot, I'm confident you'll find someone ready to take the first plunge with you.