Leap of Faith

When was the last time you did something bold or risky? Did you make the move because you trusted the end result? Were you motivated by the desire for some ultimate reward? Or did the drive come from something deep within that maybe you can't quite explain? The following frame from Bill Watterson's comic strip masterpiece is quite humorous, but it offers a valuable message for the critical thinker.

             
                                           Cartoon by Bill Watterson.

Hobbes reminds us in this strip that sometimes we just need to take a leap of faith. While Hobbes may not be providing the best advice under these particular circumstances, the value behind his comment reaches far beyond this simple occasion with Calvin and his helium balloon. We all have dreams, and while some of us have greater aspirations than flying with a balloon, those dreams will never come to fruition if we're not willing to jump. Often times the only way to get to where you want to be is to take this leap of faith, trusting that the outcome will ultimately be for the best. And even if things don't work out, at least you took the leap.

Often times, as Calvin will soon discover when he takes a step off that ladder, we don't find exactly what we're looking for when we take the jump. However, I believe there is exceptional worth in having the courage and motivation to take the jump at all. Whether being rewarded with success for taking a leap of faith or gaining an important learning experience from a failed endeavor, I find that there is usually great value in "going for it."

             
                         This picture is compliments of Andrew Dunlop.

When you step out of your comfort zone and act on something you believe in, you admit you're willing to face defeat, but you're placing your trust in the hope of something beautiful. You're acting out on something that makes you passionate and gives you energy, and you're saying the potential reward outweighs the fear of falling. Under the proper guidance, I feel that such risks are frequently worth taking.

And whether it's making a major life decision or simply asking someone a question, it's not as if we're taking blind leaps. We have reason to believe what we do, and the logic behind making a move plays a large role in getting us to stand on the top step of the ladder. But the rest is up to the heart. The will to actually step off and put yourself on the line in such a vulnerable way takes much more than facts and reasoning. Those things may only carry us so far, but the heart is what makes us take the leap.

Personally, I try my hardest to live with the love of Christ in all I do, letting his will be done in my life. When my heart feels pulled in a certain direction, I pray for wisdom to discern his will, and I pray that when it's time to take that leap of faith, God will give me the courage to jump.

             
                              This image is courtesy of Jessica Bishop.