Good Monday morning, all! One of the first things people new to water skiing are taught is this: The tow rope will pull you out of the water and the speed of the boat will allow you to stay up on your skis. When (not if, but when) you fall, don’t fight it. And remember to let go of the rope. Holding onto the rope won’t make the fall less of a fall. Holding onto the rope won’t allow you to stay up on your skis once the fall has begun. Holding onto the rope won’t make it easier to take another turn. Let go of the rope.
Why? Not letting go of the rope will make the fall much worse. If you don’t let go of the rope, the boat will drag you through the water. It will make the fall last longer. It will make the fall turn into what we call a wipeout. You will most likely drink a lot of lake water. And, in a worst case scenario, your arm, neck, shoulder, or back could get injured. So when you fall, go ahead and let go of the rope.
How many times in life do we refuse to let go of the rope when we fall? We insist on holding on to that which will drag us through the water, injure us further, or cause the fall to be worse that it is. Here’s the thing: We’re all going to fall. We’re going to hit some waves. Other boats are going to cause the wake of our own boat to be more choppy. We’re going to attempt some moves that are beyond our capabilities. Something that starts off being good and positive for us can turn into something that isn’t life-giving. We’re going to lose our balance. We’re all going to fall. But if we let go of the rope, we don’t have to make it worse than it is. Let go of what can pull you down.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge God, and the holy One will make straight your paths. Hold onto what is good, but for real: When it’s time, when you’re falling, let go of the rope. The sooner you do that, the sooner you’ll be back up on your skis and enjoying the ride.
May it be so for us this week. Work smartly. Laugh deeply. Live with integrity. Shine your light. Play nicely with others. And rest well.
The Monday Morning Minute 