Defining Quotes

(Me in the early 1990's)

You know those quotes you hear that seem to describe you or your life perfectly and you tuck them away in your mind, recalling them from time-to-time? They are the quotes that not only describe you, but in a way help build who you are.

Well today one such quote has surfaced in my mind and is meowing like a hungry cat this evening, and so I’m giving it some attention.

It goes like this: "You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” (Annie Dillard)

When I first came across this I thought, "What?! Building wings on the way down? You mean, after I’ve jumped off the cliff? That doesn’t sound too safe to me! Yet… that is so my life!” And I chuckled out loud. 

Yup, that is me, that is my life. Jumping off cliffs and building wings on the way down. What a way to live, I tell you. Sometimes I think it might look kind of crazy – and sometimes I even feel kind of crazy. Like what-on-earth-am-I-doing-any-way? But I’m compelled – you see, because I am following Someone whose a little wild and mysterious, who likes adventure – or actually created adventure – and I love Him and want to be with Him, and if it means I’ll have to do some jumping, well, then, I’ll jump! So long as I know He’s going to make sure those wings get built on the way down, or catch me if they don’t! Which He does and/or will. Everytime. Because not only is He a little wild and mysterious, He is good, and well He loves me too. A whole whole lot! 

Now I'm interested to know, what is a quote that describes your life? That has helped build you?