Friday, January 2, 2009

Jumping In With Both Feet

Sunning by the pool on our recent family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL, I began wathching a family playing together. The dad was in the pool with water about to his shoulders. He had a group of three or four youngsters lined up on the side of the pool. One by one they would step to the edge of the pool and jump off to the waiting dad. Each child would squeal with delight, be lifted from the water, then positioned near the edge where he or she could climb out and promptly get in line to do it again. While sitting there enjoying the antics, I noticed another adult approach the dad and they began talking. This did not in any way deter the children. Several turns of jumping and being caught by dad had given them confidence. A toddler jumps, dad catches. This was the way of things. So, even though dad was distracted for the moment, the next little one in line leaped from the edge. Before I could make a move toward the water, the splash got dad's attention. He scooped the boy out of the water, no harm done and sent him on his way. No fear was ever shown by the child, and the dad knew he could confidently handle the situation. What a perfect picture of trust between a child and his father.
What a perfect example of trust between us and our Heavenly Father. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all of our heart. Life is a big pool, with a deep end. Trust is not sitting on a deck chair, hiding under an umbrella, afraid of getting wet. Jesus has waded out and is beckoning us to jump in! We might make a splash, the water might be a little cold, but what a thrill! Is Christ distracted? Never! Is He ready to catch you? You bet! Do you have to faith to step up to the edge and jump? Only you can answer that for yourself. John 10:10 says Jesus came to give you an abundant life. Better that anything we can imagine.
The Lifeguard is on duty. Trust Him. Leap in with both feet!!

6 comments:

  1. I found you!!!!!! Great first post, Kelli. I welcome you to blogland and know you are going to touch many lives for our Savior.
    Susan

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  2. Hi Kelli, Pennless Thoughts sent me over to say hello. Your blog looks great. You're writing some great post. Gulf Shores is one of our favorite places to go. It's been a while since we have been able to enjoy it. Yes, my kids have jumped off the side of those pools many times. I love how you can tell a story and bring it back to a spiritual truth. That is truly a God given gift.
    I pray with a Moms In Touch group. I see you work in the public schools. I hope your school has an active group praying for it.
    Welcome to bloggerland. I hope you enjoy it. Look out because it is quite addictive. haha.
    The mouse story above cracked me up. I don't know if I could share the mailbox with that determined little squatter.

    Joy

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  3. i believe it's a gift to see the lessons God gives us through every day events. you have the gift =)

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  4. What a wonderful illustration.
    Welcome to blogland. We have a lot in common. I was born in Oklahoma. I'm a lot older than you though. My son is your age and my daughter is 48.
    I loved the story about the mouse in the mailbox. It was so funny to read, but I know it was not nearly as funny for you. I'm like you, I really really don't like mice. It did remind me of something my daughter got for Christmas when she was about 7 years old. A Mr. & Mrs. Mouse House. Of course she had Mr. & Mrs. Mouse too.
    I started blogging about a year ago and I'll warn you that it can become very addictive. I never dreamed when I started that I would spend so much time at it. It sure has been fun though.
    Charlotte

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  5. Hello, My name is Dee. Welcome to blogging. I have been blogging about a year now and am surprised i am still blogging. I have met many Christian friends and look forward to meeting more. Please feel free to visit my humble blog anytime. I love the mouse in the mail box. you have a tender heart. Some people would have sent him to mouse heaven by now. Have you named him? Just kidding. (:o) I look forward to visiting you again.~~ Heavenly Blessings Dee

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  6. I love reading your blog. We seem to never have time at church to really share! I will look forward to more. blessings for the day. paula

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