So…talkin’ to someone this evening…got around to the ‘Why should God let you into Heaven’ question…  (much good discussion – glad I went into the evening with an eternal mindset)…

Trusting Jesus, all the way, like you would trust a parachute:  It’s clear that all the flapping you can muster isn’t going to do a bit of good.  It is guaranteed that the parachute won’t fail and the harness won’t break.  If you’re intensely nuts (and put sincere effort into it) you could unfasten your harness, I s’pose…

If you’re relying on the ‘chute, you will fly – no matter what – no flapping required.

If you’re relying on your own flapping, well, the fall isn’t what kills you – it’s that sudden stop at the end…  Oh, and intense knowledge of aerodynamics, wind resistance, and the science behind parachutes isn’t going to do diddly for you either.

You can choose between letting the wind take you where it will, which would be a frighteningly fun adventure, or you can pull the cords and do your own steering (note, however, that the wind may still override your attempted steering, then you’ll land where you’re supposed to, but it’ll be a rough ride).

You can make some awesome designs by connecting with others, especially if your jumpsuits are color coordinated – this requires some planning, some deliberate effort to guide your flight, and some heavy-duty hangin’ on to the 1-4 people you’re connecting to (and they’re hangin’ on to you).  Then, you still have to pull your own ripcord and land alone with your ‘chute.

When you jump out, if it’s a tandem ride (meaning you have a pro strapped to your back who has a vested interest in your safe landing), the first thing you must do when you exit the plane is the least natural posture, but the only safe choice for both of you.  You have to go spread-eagle with your head back, arching and reaching backwards with all you’ve got.  It means your belly is exposed and you’re highly vulnerable, but there’s a pro strapped to you, and a double ‘chute strapped to both of you.  The very best thing you can do when you get to the ground is sit – if you try to run with the person on your back, there’s a better than even chance that you’ll trip each other – just sit, and let the one who knows what he’s doing take care of the landing. (again, counter-intuitive, but I’ve seen it work)

So, how much flapping shall we do?  Enough to wave at whoever you fly by and invite them to join in the adventure!!

(oh yeah, and the ‘chute’s not necessarily comfortable to wear while you’re in the plane, so I’ve heard, but you definitely don’t want to be 5,000 ft in the air without it!)