By Darrel Proffit, Lead Pastor
On Tuesday, we had a staff fun day. This usually means going somewhere together and enjoying time away from the office. We have done several things over the years like bowling or going to a movie. Someone suggested we ride Segways this time.
A Segway is an interesting “scooter-like “vehicle. Officially it is “a two-wheeled motorized personal vehicle consisting of a platform for the feet mounted above an axle and an upright post surmounted by handles.” Perhaps you have seen security officers at Katy Mills Mall operating them. They look fun. Right?
We received a little training before we mounted them. The track at the Mall allows you to go through a variety of obstacle courses and even compete against each other as you compare times. A safe fun day. Right?
Given the fact that my knees are my constant challenge, I was a little wary of the field trip from the beginning. But I thought I would catch on quickly and, if careful, could have a great time. That was how it started. But that is not how it ended.
Within about five minutes I was in trouble. One wheel of the Segway I was riding popped up on the railing that surrounded the training area. Before I knew I was spinning out of control and fell right into the railing. As it turns out, I hit the railing at exactly the worse place I could, and my ribs felt like a UFC fighter had punched them. It hurt. In addition my foot got stuck in the Segway and twisted my foot and ankle at about a 90 degree angle from my leg. So there I was. The staff all hovering over me, someone trying to dislodge my foot and having every ounce of breath knocked out of me. Mercy. I think my feelings were just as hurt as my body.
After getting untangled, I stood by the side of the scene of the accident, contemplating what was next. Not wanting to call it a day, I thought that I would be back on the horse that bucked me off and away I went.
Things went well for about 10 minutes. I was arguably more careful, not wanting to bite the dust again. But then it happened again. The only saving grace at this point was that when I fell no one was around. I had tried to climb a steep hill but due to my desire to not crash, I was going too slowly. About half way up the embankment, I began to slow down and go backwards. Before I knew, I was once again on the ground. This time bruising the other side of my back and, once again, gasping for air.
I am writing this blog from home. Why? Because I can barely move. With ice, ibuprofen and many soaking baths, I am feeling a bit better. But as in all things, I am looking for the lesson to be learned. I am not sure I have discerned that yet, but I do know that when you least expect it, challenges can come your way. I also know that this particular challenge will not be faced by me again. I am officially retired from Segways.
On Tuesday, we had a staff fun day. This usually means going somewhere together and enjoying time away from the office. We have done several things over the years like bowling or going to a movie. Someone suggested we ride Segways this time.
A Segway is an interesting “scooter-like “vehicle. Officially it is “a two-wheeled motorized personal vehicle consisting of a platform for the feet mounted above an axle and an upright post surmounted by handles.” Perhaps you have seen security officers at Katy Mills Mall operating them. They look fun. Right?
We received a little training before we mounted them. The track at the Mall allows you to go through a variety of obstacle courses and even compete against each other as you compare times. A safe fun day. Right?
Given the fact that my knees are my constant challenge, I was a little wary of the field trip from the beginning. But I thought I would catch on quickly and, if careful, could have a great time. That was how it started. But that is not how it ended.
Within about five minutes I was in trouble. One wheel of the Segway I was riding popped up on the railing that surrounded the training area. Before I knew I was spinning out of control and fell right into the railing. As it turns out, I hit the railing at exactly the worse place I could, and my ribs felt like a UFC fighter had punched them. It hurt. In addition my foot got stuck in the Segway and twisted my foot and ankle at about a 90 degree angle from my leg. So there I was. The staff all hovering over me, someone trying to dislodge my foot and having every ounce of breath knocked out of me. Mercy. I think my feelings were just as hurt as my body.
After getting untangled, I stood by the side of the scene of the accident, contemplating what was next. Not wanting to call it a day, I thought that I would be back on the horse that bucked me off and away I went.
Things went well for about 10 minutes. I was arguably more careful, not wanting to bite the dust again. But then it happened again. The only saving grace at this point was that when I fell no one was around. I had tried to climb a steep hill but due to my desire to not crash, I was going too slowly. About half way up the embankment, I began to slow down and go backwards. Before I knew, I was once again on the ground. This time bruising the other side of my back and, once again, gasping for air.
I am writing this blog from home. Why? Because I can barely move. With ice, ibuprofen and many soaking baths, I am feeling a bit better. But as in all things, I am looking for the lesson to be learned. I am not sure I have discerned that yet, but I do know that when you least expect it, challenges can come your way. I also know that this particular challenge will not be faced by me again. I am officially retired from Segways.
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