I haven't gotten a rug burn since high school! Then, it was unavoidable. We were playing basketball in a carpeted gym, and I tripped over my feet and went down. No surprise, I've always been a klutz...my feet are too big and my coordination is nothing to write home about, but I digress.
High school was a long time ago and I mistakenly assumed that I had somehow managed to become more graceful in my movements. Yes, occasionally I fall up the stairs, constantly trip over my feet, and frequently run into door jambs but it has been a while since I have publicly humiliated myself.
This morning in church after choir, I truly made a grand exit. I was concentrating, but not really paying attention to where I was going. Suddenly, I went down. I failed to take into account that there was one more step and totally biffed it. BOOOOF! Fortunately I fell forward, which was a good thing considering I was wearing a skirt. Falling backwards would have been rather unfortunate with the very real possibility of my skirt flying up and my legs flailing wildly. (I keep having flashbacks to when I was baptized and my foot flew up out of the water when I went under) After a few stunned moments, I picked myself up and walked out into the foyer. People began to approach me asking worriedly if I was all right. Of course by now I'm laughing so hard that I'm crying. I guess that put their fears to rest, because they joined in with me immediately. No serious injuries were sustained and thankfully God has blessed me with a sense of humor, so all was well. Not to say that I had heard the end of the matter.
Did I mention this happened in front of the entire church? Yep, just about everyone saw me fall. And as if that weren't enough, I also had to get up and sing a solo later in the service (thus the reason for wearing a skirt in the first place). You better believe I made full use of the handrail the second time onto the platform (and off for that matter). While singing I hardly dared to make eye contact with anyone lest it set me off again. I made it through and returned to my seat. As I sat down the boy next to me congratulated me on staying upright.
Tonight during choir practice a kind fellow believer made an announcement on the proper way to exit the stage. He was the same one who told informed me there were better ways to gain attention such as growing a mohawk. Several individuals referred to me as "Grace" or described me as "graceful" (tongue in cheek). And many asked me if I had a nice trip. I also learned that a few were afraid I would be too embarrassed to sing after such a public display of clumsiness. Me?? Embarrassed??? Ha! It takes more than that to knock me down...
For those who are truly concerned, I would like to calm your fears by informing you that the only injury sustained was a small rug burn on my right knee. As for my pride? Well, I guess I can't pretend anymore...everyone in my church is aware of the extent of my klutziness.
