I’ve always been a swimmer and can still remember my parents taking me to my first ‘Water Babies’ class. At first I was fearful of the water but as long as my mom was nearby I was confident she would lift me up and draw me close to her if I began to sink. Being in a pool is one thing but being exposed to the currents and waves of an enormous body of water is another experience altogether!
Recently, I have come to appreciate surfing as it relates to my life. It began one day with feeling pressure to “get everything done.” I felt the pull of various responsibilities for both myself and my family weighing on me. These responsibilities began as a small wave, then began building with unexpected distractions and, before I realized it, there was a pipeline size wave carrying me along (pipeline is often considered the most deadly wave in surfing). The reality hit me, if I take my eyes off Christ, I can easily be thrown off my board and into the tumultuous waters. It’s imperative to practice my skills while being mindful the wave will come; being confident that after the crest, the wave gets smaller and I can begin paddling again anticipating the next wave.
Ahhh, I don’t need to succumb to drowning — rather allow the waves to make me a BETTER surfer. God outlines for us in His Word how to do this.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to… present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but … be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.
Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
by Andrea Tedesco