A Back flip Lesson

A few weeks ago we went to a trampoline place for part of our Pday, (Preparation day) and while we were there one of the Elders asked if we wanted to learn how to do a back flip. Of course the adventurous side of me readily agreed. I'm up for a challenge. I've gone skydiving and I plan on going bungee jumping, what's a measly back flip compared to that? Plus I used to be able to do lots of things on a trampoline when I was a kid, this was going to be a piece of cake. So not true!

He then explains the motions... Jump, toss your head back, a simple tuck of the knees, spot your landing and the rest takes care of itself. And then demonstrates it for me. Simple. Easy. Now it is your turn.

My turn!! Say what!?! You lost me after jump! But I obediently got into the middle of the trampoline and I started to jump... and jump... and jump. With each jump I went into more and more of a panic mode. Toss my head back, tuck my knees, toss my head back and tuck my knees, wait hold the phone. It just occurred to me this is crazy, why did I say yes!?! Eventually I stopped I can't do this.

Why not he said, you've got a good height when you jump, the worst that can happen is that you'll belly flop.

Um yeah that's the point, that will hurt. A lot!

You can do this. I believe in you. You got this.

I tried again and again but I just couldn't bring myself to go for it.

I know that you can do this. I have faith in you! He repeated over and over.

Finally I decided I had to take that leap of Faith and go for it. I counted to 3 (ok so it was more like 10 or 15 but still) I took a deep breath and went for it. Success!! I did a back flip and I didn't belly flop! It wasn't perfect but it didn't have to be all that mattered was that I made it. That day I learned so much more than how to do a back flip.

FAITH

that is what I learned from this experience.

What is faith?

Faith is defined as having a complete confidence and trust in something.

I had to trust that everything would work out, I had to have complete confidence in myself and in what he said to do. Also it taught me more about the Savior. He has that faith in us, He knows what we are capable of doing and He is there every second along the way cheering us on and encouraging us. Helping us reach our potential and becoming even as He is. I am so grateful for Him. My faith isn't perfect but as I know as I continue to grow it and act on my faith that I will see mountains moved in my life. I know that faith is where it all begins, and that the Savior won't ever let us belly flop.