The sun is shining, the air hot. Perhaps, the turquoise waters of this lake will be warm like the Caribbean Sea? You step on to the veranda to see Mary running across the grass verge. She turns at the sandy shoreline to fiercely beckon you. And then without a pause plunges into the lake and swims. Standing in about four foot of water she calls to you, “Don’t just dip your toe in the water. Come straight in.” Not wanting to appear pathetic, you wade into the icy waters, as she calls, “Plunge in. You will enjoy it.”
You doubt that! Just as you consider returning to the shore, Mary sends sharp, cold, sprinkles of water over you. Not being a great swimmer, you bend your knees and gasp as water covers you. The shock causes the hairs on your body to stand up. Mary grabs your arm. “Wait! See this like life, real life. If you only put your toe in, it’s easier to shrink back. The further you push in and embrace a situation, even if unpleasant or difficult, you will gain confidence. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. It is the taking part that is important. If you choose to have the right attitude you will be surprised at how much you have learnt and accomplished. Many people retreat when the going gets tough, and fall back into what they perceive as safe.”
Suddenly the water is no longer shocking you, but her words. Is that true about your life? You watch her swim energetically away and you follow using a breast stroke which barely makes headway, but your mind is working overtime.
Read: “Therefore we do not lose heart…So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 &18 (NIV)
Speak: Lord help me not to lose heart when I am faced with the problems of life. Help me to trust in you in every situation. Give me a right attitude so I may experience your peace which takes away my fears.