Anticipating

I love the way God uses everyday things to teach us.  Last night, Noah (Howard’s son) tested for his next belt in Tae Kwan Do.  This is the gist of the text I got this morning:

Sorry, no pictures (I asked for some because Noah's my bud).  Got caught up seeing an underlying problem with Noah.  In life, there is a difference between standing and anticipating.  When you stand, you’re flat-footed and easily knocked over.  When you are on the balls of your feet, you have greater balance.  The challenge is to stay on the balls of your feet instead of the heels and let the little toes do the big job of keeping balance.  I’ve heard this saying all my life but now it’s making sense.   Something to ponder in every other mindset in our life.

Set me to thinking about some of the times I have been knocked flat by a left hook from out of nowhere.  I hate to say it but it’s been more times than I can count.

I know the Bible says when you’ve done all, stand (Ephesians 6:13).  But, it’s talking about the stance of a soldier; one who is suited up and ready for battle.

It was a ‘duh’ moment made worse by the fact that I’ve spoken before on something to that effect.  And, I even used the preparedness of a martial artist as an example.  How one of the first things they learn is blocking techniques (the shield of faith:  Eph. 6:16).  That they are always aware of their surroundings (watch ye, stand fast:  Corinthians 16:13).  Always on the watch for their opponent’s next move (not being ignorant of the devils devices:  2 Corinthians 2:11).  A lot of the times, they are on the balls of their feet doing that side to side shuffle.  (I know, an extremely ‘duh’ moment.)

We are all going to experience getting knocked off our feet moments.  Having to lay there until everything comes back into focus.  Slowly sitting up and shaking our heads.  Maybe doing a neck roll to get a few things back in alignment.  Then, oh so slowly getting back on our feet.

But I wonder how many of those moments we could dodge if, after we suited up with the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), we took a soldier’s stance instead of standing flat-footed waiting for the next blow.

Something to ponder.