Jump in Feet First

I’m rarely one of those people who dangle their legs or test the waters with their toes, unless it’s a cold swimming pool.  I’m one of those people who will jump in feet first.  The problem or blessing of jumping into quick sand is you get the thrill of the jump, but then as you slowly sink in you have way too much time to think about what you just did. This is the pattern in my life.  When I jump into the wrong thing it slowly eats at me till I figure out how to pull myself out of the quicksand.  Usually it’s not me pulling myself out; it’s usually my friends or God.  And many times the hand to get out doesn’t come immediately. God seems to like for me to suffer for a long time so I can really realize what I’ve done wrong, in hopes that he won’t have to pull me out again. The good thing is so far I’ve always had an extra lifeline. 

Jumping into something with both feet and sticking with it can be a very good thing. Like when you are a student.  Teachers love it when you do the reading assignments and homework and that is when you learn the most. Being fully committed to a healthy lifestyle is very beneficial. By exercising on a regular basis and eating right you can avoid high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

One example of a good thing I jumped into with both feet was going on a mission for my church.  I jumped in with both feet prior to going. The year before I left I studied, took classes and totally prepared myself. When I got there I was 200% focused. I gave it my all. I was totally dedicated. My companions would say I was a bit over the top when it came to keeping rules. I saw everything as black and white and I did my best to keep all the rules to the “T.”  Over time I did ease up some and was able to go with the flow more and wasn’t so ridged.  Going on a mission was very tough and if I could do it all over again with the knowledge I have now I would do lots of things different.  In the end I am glad I went. I learned a lot and was blessed for my efforts.

Going along with this subject I have to say I am also easily persuaded and get caught up in the moment lots of times.  I recently realized that I am very spontaneous.  This personality trait has its pros and cons. I am a lot of fun to be around and life with me is never dull.  (I also like planning things out in advance so my life isn’t totally “fly by the seat of your pants.” I do have a calendar and if something is written on it, you can be assured that I will be there.)  On the other hand I have a tendency to do things with out thinking.  The bad thing is since I am easily persuaded; I do things that I end up regretting in the long run. 

In addition I have a tendency to come up with these grand ideas that will make life easier for people and they seem to backfire way too many times for my liking.  This has revealed it’s self time and time again these past 6 years.

In addition to being spontaneous. I also love trying new things and exploring new places.  Most recently I have enjoyed trying new ethnic foods. I’m not into eating weird crazy stuff like they sell at the fair. I may not try chocolate covered bacon or fried frogs legs.  On the other hand I’ve been exploring new Thai dishes and Indian cuisine.   Over the past couple of years I have cooked with spices and vegetables I have never heard of.  For the most part I have been delighted with some new meals.  On occasion there are those few dishes that I won’t even eat.  A few years back I came started cooking this dish that used lentils and I thought it smelled awful and wouldn’t even try it.  Over the last couple of years I have warmed up to it and now really enjoy Moroccan chicken and lentils.

Now that I am aware that I am easily persuaded and have a tendency to jump into things with out thinking I really need to be more careful.  Next time the road to safety may not be so easy. 

I wish I can just leave it at next time; the truth is I’m still in the process of digging myself out of my current situation.   It’s not over yet. Wish me luck.