My blog this week is inspired by this talk by Elder Russell M Ballard:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/stay-in-the-boat-and-hold-on?lang=eng
One of the hardest parts of life is seeing those you love struggle. You want to reach out and save them from their trials. But what will happen if you try to save someone when you are not in a position to do so.
Our extended family took a fun white water rafting trip a few years ago. As we went over one huge wave, my niece was thrust off of her seat and into the cold water. As we all screamed and watched her splash into the river, her dad calmly set down his oar, reached into the water, and pulled her by her life jacket back into the boat.
Her dad could have chosen to jump into the water to save his daughter. He could have been swept downstream by the swift current right along with her, but he was smart enough to stay safely in the boat. His fast thinking kept them both safe, and the exciting adventure continued.
No matter how badly we want to save our loved ones when they are floundering, we cannot do so if we are not in a safe place ourselves. We cannot dive into the dangerous current hoping to catch them and then swim against the current back to the safety of the boat.
We need to hold on before we reach out.
I started skating with our local roller derby team about a month ago. I haven't said much to people because I wasn't sure where it was going to go, but I'm ready to make a commitment. Here's why I've decided to join Atomic City Roller Girls:
1) It's something just for me. I spend so much time running kids around and doing things for others. This is just for me.
2) I get to meet some great ladies. Everyone has been so accepting and supportive, it's made learning easy and fun. And this is a group of women I probably wouldn't get to know in any other way. My circle of friends is expanding.
3) I get to be pretty and tough at the same time. (I must admit, I'm pretty sure my husband thinks it's hot.) Where else can you wear spandex in public and blend right in?
4) It's hard! I'm having a great time, but it is not easy. I'm pushing outside my comfort zone and enjoying the small successes as I learn new things. I'm understanding just a little bit more of how my kids must feel in their struggles.
5) I love to see the looks on people's faces when I say, "I'm doing Roller Derby!"
I'm not sure where this is going, but right now I'm enjoying the roll.
No matter how badly we want to save our loved ones when they are floundering, we cannot do so if we are not in a safe place ourselves. We cannot dive into the dangerous current hoping to catch them and then swim against the current back to the safety of the boat.
