Day 25- A Laying Down First

Today, for the first time, I laid down on a bed of nails.  With the pointy end up.

A word of explanation may be in order.  We took the children to a place called Wonder Works.  The brochure says it's an "indoor amusement park for the mind."  It is kind of a big science museum with some pretty fun stuff thrown in.  This is what Hannah Grace wanted to do instead of a birthday party this year.  We went to Wonder Works last year in Pigeon Forge, TN (it could have been Gatlinburg) and both kids loved it. 

Not long after we entered Wonder Works, we came to the bed of nails exhibit. When they have an exhibit like this in a place designed for children with someone under 25 years old in charge of it, you feel like it's pretty safe.  Still, it's the kind of thing that I would typically pass on.  Laura might say something like, "Do you want to do that?"  And I typically say, "No, that's OK, you go ahead and I'll take the pictures."  Today was different because I did not just see a bed of nails; I saw a "first."

The guy lets you lay on the nails for about 30 seconds or so. It's not a big deal.  They do actually hurt just a little. Of all places, they hurt my elbow the most.  What's up with that?  It was right about the funny (or not so funny) bone area. 

I thought about this.  As Christians, we need each other close by to support one another.  As we do that, we can support each other through hard times, when temptation is especially strong, and in our commitments to walk close with Jesus.  Like the nails, we can sometimes hurt each other.  We all have quirky personalities, mouths that run faster than brains, and bad attitude days (these are much worse on the people around us than bad hair days). Even with the issues there are to work through, we need each other.  We need each others' love, example, prayers, and friendship.  We need people who will walk in when everyone else walks out. We just can't do life as God intended by ourselves.  God has made us to need each other. 

Me with bubbles; not nearly as dangerous sounding and surprisingly fun

Don't forget to gather with believers this Lord's Day.  As you do, look for ways to support someone else in their walk with Christ.  Remember, it's not all about you; it's about Him.

Now, for the next laying down first, I'm hunting a hammock.

Needing support for the abundant life

Barry

3 things I thank God for today
1. A very fun family trip with children who were well behaved and had lots of fun
2. Jesus took three nails for me
3. Haiti mission team is back home in America