Fighting on the Wall Part 1

I'm going to tell you a story, not to point anything out in particular, you can get out of it what you will.  It's not a positive story, or a negative story, it's just a story, a true story.  

Last July. 7 people gathered at the top of a retaining wall that fell 5 1/2 feet to a rocky, scrubby ground below.  Yet another location for a very unique sword fighting lesson, taught by Tim.

The last couple lessons had been about foot work, stance etc. really getting our foundations right (with all the spiritual parallelism that entailed, I'll let you use your imagination).  Now we were going to test what we had learned.  Or so, Tim said.  I saw the wall, and had a bad feeling.  I shot him a warning look, to which he answered in words, "Don't worry, we'll go slow, not really fighting, that would be stupid!"  
My thoughts exactly.
The assignment was to think of something precious to you.  Thank the good Jesus I didn't have to go first because I was drawing a blank.  I watched as the others fight on the wall, almost at half speed, moving their feet with precision.  I peeked over the edge, to the ground below and I felt afraid.  My default reaction was to avoid the drop at all costs, and I considered opting out of the exercise.

When it was my turn, I asked Tim if I should do it.  I told him I had a bad feeling.
"Well, it's one of two things, you're either afraid, or you're getting nudged by the Holy Spirit to stay on sold ground.  And it's not the first one."
"How do you know?" I asked challengingly.
"Because, you're never afraid," he said simply.
Ah, if only that were true.  But I don't think he said it completely seriously.  Anyways, I ended up sparring on the wall.  I didn't want to regret missing a sword fighting lesson because of my stupid fear of heights and falling.  I had made a vow to myself months before that I wouldn't ever not do something I would regret later because of fear.  

Next time, part two.