Diving Boards & Trampolines – Excerpt

Diving Boards & Trampolines, Amy Layne Litzelman

By Amy Layne Litzelman−

During my college years I traveled with a group of friends to a lake house for the weekend. My friend’s family owned a boat and they all loved to waterski. I, on the other hand, knew nothing about the sport. It came my turn to try and my heart swelled in my chest. I so longed to jump up and give it a go, but logic and fear rushed up to remind me, “You don’t even know how to swim! How are you going to feel when you make a fool of yourself?

I was wearing a life vest, my friends were willing to teach me, they were even cheering me on, but in a split second the words “No thanks” slipped out and deep regret replaced my longing. Before I knew it the weekend was over and my opportunity with it.

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A point comes in every story when a decision must be made, a step taken, and a destination either pursued or abandoned to the silent ponderings of “What if?” As anyone who has gotten stuck in the rut of fear knows, doing nothing is doing something. A prolonged pause is, for all intents and purposes, abandoning the pursuit. Sitting down at the wrong time can easily abort a journey and change the goal. “Maybe next time…”usually means “Maybe never.

While putting together this collection of meditations, the Holy Spirit prompted me with the title Diving Boards and Trampolines. I scribbled it down immediately, as it captures a higher purpose and essence of the book. Each reflection is an opportunity to explore, an excuse to try new ground, and a platform to launch you to new dimensions of relationship with Jesus and in life. The value of this book lies not only in the meditations, themselves, but where they will lead you.

This pursuit will look different for each individual, yet carry a similar rhythm and fragrance. It’s not about doing one specific activity or ritual, but building relationship – with your Creator, yourself, and those who surround your days.

Each meditation is followed by a blank page, ready for your input. Record scripture or journal observations; sketch thoughts or paste in pictures. There’s no right or wrong way to use the space. However and whatever God chooses to speak, pour it out upon these pages. Take the simple reflections I offer, pause, and then jump.

I chose to include a creative side to this journal as our God first introduces Himself as our Creator. And we, each one, are made in His image. Some of you may already express this trait in vast and varied ways. Others may not see yourself as having a creative nature at all – but you do! It’s just waiting to be discovered.

I know because I have uncovered new dimensions of my creative side in the last year and I’ll never turn back. How often we find what we’ve long desired in the very thing we avoid. We encounter the One who fills all with His glory – even us. What joy He brings to dry, dusty, dark corners. What color and light and beauty.

One note of caution: Getting to know God is not like a lap pool, but a vast, deep ocean and an endless mountain range.

  • Take your time with each entry. (Days, weeks, months, whatever it takes.)
  • Use other resources to expand your study.
  • Worship with your pen, your pencils, your brush, your camera, your life.

We’re on a journey of eternal proportions and the Author and Finisher of your faith longs for you to go deeper in Him and higher with Him.

  • Permit truth to renew your mind.
  • Expect new thoughts and ideas, new dreams and realities to take shape.
  • Expect the fruit of God’s Spirit to grow on you even as the Tree of Life.
  • Step out and see His plans rise up to meet you.

The Kingdom of God is at hand, but only those who look for it will see. Only those who accept the invitation will taste. Only those who go beyond themselves will experience the destiny God has waiting.

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Diving Boards & Trampolines – Excerpt
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