Learning in the Hang Time
Posted by Andrea
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
There are a few teenage boys who live in our section of the neighborhood. When the weather is pleasant, I can often hear them playing football in the street. Frequently, I’m amused by the boys’ joking and trash talking as they compete in the street.
A few days ago, the boys were playing football and I could hear their banter as I cleaned up in the living room. As one boy practiced his punts, his buddy cracked jokes and criticized his friend’s efforts claiming that the football’s hang time was weak.
Hang time describes the amount of time the football floats or hangs in the air after it has been kicked. Ideally a football should hang in the air for 4 to 5 seconds, thus allowing players time to position themselves for the play.
At times, each of us experiences some hang time. The issues of life deliver us a swift kick and we can easily find ourselves sailing through times of uncertainty, fear, or despair. Though the initial kick often startles and frightens us, hanging in the “air” often brings us closer to God and provides us with an opportunity to see things from a new perspective. As we wait it out in the air and endure times of hardship, God is yet at work. He uses hang time to teach us a lesson while He positions people and arranges circumstances in ways that will help us grow.
I recently received one of those startling life punts that sent me soaring into a hang time I’m still enduring. At first, I flailed and wobbled all over the place. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this approach was tiring me out, making me anxious, draining my energy, and delaying my progress. I’ve since adjusted my attitude, stopped worrying about the issue, and have prayed more. I’m more focused and have been pondering some important questions.
What does God want me to learn in the hang time?
Am I fighting with or flowing along side God during this uncertain time?
Do I trust God even though my problems I’m airborne?
How can I glorify Him while in the hang time?
Has life given you a jolt and knocked you off your feet? Take the situation to God and let Him guide you. I’ve learned it’s better to embrace the direction in which God floats me rather than to fight it! I’m hanging in there and going with the flow because I know that when I embrace God and His will for my life, I’ll be always be happy no matter where I land!
Photo: Courtesy of johnlamb (Flickr)
Extremely relevant at this point in life !
I agree…God has really been using life to grow me! Thanks for visiting.
Beautifully written. “Hang time” is an excellent metaphor. I’ve been there too. Why am I always surprised when it happens? Isn’t it true that the only thing constant is change? At my age, I should know better!
It sounds like your attitude is in the right place. Trusting you’ll land in a safe place soon. :~D
You’re right. Change is constant. I should know better too! I suppose the sooner I recognize this the happier, I’ll be! Thanks for stopping by e-Mom!