The Hard Way

Obedience is a lesson learned.

My first year of high school gymnastics brought us to state finals. The moment we entered the massive gymnasium, I was in awe. The bleachers were already packed, buzzing with energy. "I'm ready", I reassured myself. Our team began with floor exercise warm-ups. After a few basic tumbling passes, I wanted to attempt my first-ever roundoff backhandspring backflip combo. It felt like a million eyes were on me.

The run to the roundoff went smoothly, my hands shot back into the backhandspring, and then I reached up for the backflip. When I landed, I found myself standing in the middle of the floor with my teammates cheering. After warm-ups ended, I asked my coach to include the new flip combo in my floor routine. He simply replied, "No, wait until next season." I couldn't believe it. What did he know?

Finally, it was my turn for my actual floor routine. I saluted the judge. My first tumbling pass went well, and the second pass went even better. I executed all my strength and balance moves flawlessly and now prepared for the final tumbling pass - my new roundoff backhandspring backflip combo. I steadied myself, and off I went. I dove into the roundoff, whipped my hands back for the handspring, and then back again for the flip. I saluted the judge, then looked down. Instead of landing on my feet, I landed on my knees. I forgot to throw my hands UP for the backflip.

As I stood up and walked off, the spectators gave me a few courtesy claps. My coach didn't need to say a word; his sympathetic smile said it all.

This was one of many life lessons in obedience. I now understood my coach's wisdom in waiting to first refine the combination. I wish I had listened to him. All God's laws are given to build a firm foundation for our spiritual growth. To obey, we need to humble ourselves and trust that He knows what is best for us. Sometimes we listen, and sometimes we learn the hard way.

The story did not end there. Since the gymnastic season ended, I decided this embarassment was not going to define me. I went to a nearby park, and slowly and painfully learned to overcome my fear of flipping on grass. Not having a gym mat was not going to stop me. First one standing backhandspring. Then a standing back tuck until shoulder height. Then roundoff back handspring. Then roundoff backhandspring back tuck focusing on correct heights. Then front arabian walkout roundoff triple backhandspring back layout, etc. I practiced daily, falling and getting back up. Each day a small victory. Then I moved to gravel and asphalt.

Eventually I was a college yelleader flipping the full length of huge stadium of people, flipping over a pyramid of cheerleaders, flipping in street parades, etc. Being a yelleader was not my first choice, but it was a great way to continue my gymnastics since they did not have a gymnastics team. Later, I taught gymnastics for many years. Even coached my younger sister when she went to state finals.

Hard lessons are never wanted, but often needed.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

In life, you learn lessons. And sometimes you learn them the hard way. Sometimes you learn them too late.