Tip of My Iceberg

Whenever we’re confronted with new challenges, it’s normal to want a soft landing, to not be in a situation that’s uncomfortable or questionable.

Unless you’re throwing yourself onto a pile of pillows, you anticipate something soft and cushy.

The kids piled pillows and cushy big pouf bags on the floor, pretending they were on a cushioned floor practicing gymnastics. They flew as far as they could, tumbled as much as they could, and flipped like fidget gadgets with non-stop motion.

The littles flew through the air with the composure and coolness of a bird in flight. The older ones were proving their expertise in their respective skill sets. Full-scale flips with professional-type landings.

Thankfully, nobody missed the pillows. And there was enough softness to cushion the heaviest landings.

Growing up, there were many times I sought a soft landing, where I wouldn’t be embarrassed or hurt. I once blatantly lied to my mother about being with a friend she disapproved of, someone I told her I wouldn’t spend time with. She was my friend, so I walked her home–but I didn’t go into her house. I thought that would be a safe compromise. When Mom found out, her punishment was brutal; she chopped my long hair off. Someone commented the next day that I looked like a lawnmower had been run over my head.

Embarrassment is easily remembered. But I had disobeyed.

Peter’s lowest hour was when he betrayed his Lord three times. He had recently claimed he would die for Jesus, but he was afraid for his own life; his denial was to save his own skin. The landing he sought was security. Soon after this, Jesus was crucified, before he had the chance to apologize to Jesus. To admit his fears and mistakes.

When Jesus rose from the dead, Peter was embarrassed and felt disqualified for the role Jesus had called him to. Defeated and despairing, he decided he’d go back to what he knew; he defaulted to fishing, taking six of the disciples with him.

He was unsuccessful in that. They fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus watched them from the beach, but they didn’t know it was Him. “Then He said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some.’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.” John 21:6

Peter was confused. He’d betrayed the One who loved him more than anyone. And yet, here he was in the presence of the Lord, sharing a meal with friends.

It got better.

Jesus pulled him aside and gently asked him if he loved his Lord. Peter answered in the affirmative three times, but was frustrated because it felt like Jesus didn’t believe him.

Jesus was giving him the chance to realize his lack of faith, sense his own remorse, and sense the depth of forgiveness Jesus was offering. That’s healing. One of the greatest things that helps us heal – heart, soul, and mind – is knowing we’re forgiven. This loving gesture from Jesus changed Peter forever. He became bold and brave in sharing the gospel message of Jesus.

The kids had the benefit of a soft landing without negative consequences.

For Peter, it felt hard when he denied Jesus, but his landing became a more fulfilling life.

We will have hard landings constantly. But staying the course with Jesus provides us with the fulfillment that’s worth the challenges.

And an ultimate soft landing.