I wrote this blog a little over a year ago, but as I reread it this week I was surprised at how applicable it still is to my current circumstances.
Last Monday I went to my neighborhood pool to enjoy some sun and relaxation on my day off. As I waited for a few of my friends to show up I partook in one of my all-time favorite activities – people watching. There was a very active and animated father there who provided some entertainment. I watched him as he interacted with his young son – maybe 2 or 3 years in age. His son had his swimmies on and they moved from the main pool area into the roped-off diving well together. As the scene unfolded the young boy got out of the water and to my surprise proceeded toward the lower of the two diving boards eventually climbing up the steps and walking down the long plank board. His father remained in the water just below him and to the right. As the boy waited on the end with his toes curled under the edge for security he yelled out “Daddy, can you catch me?” That seemed like a very reasonable thing for a 3 year old boy with swimmies to ask of his father. I can’t imagine how far down that drop must have appeared to such a young and unexperienced set of eyes! However, the dad responded in a very unexpected way. He answered, “No. But after you jump in all by yourself I will swim over and grab you. I’ll be right here waiting for you the whole time.” Wow! I couldn’t believe the valuable lessons this father was already teaching his young boy. At that point I didn’t know if the father’s response would be a deal breaker or not, and as I continued to watch I wasn’t disappointed. The boy eventually jumped off the diving board and into the pool all by himself! The father then swooped in and celebrated and praised his son like he had just overcome the world. Beautiful!
I thought more about this interaction I had the blessing of watching and the Holy Spirit turned it into a very personal and tangible message for my soul. Sometimes I need to take a leap out of what’s comfortable and into the fear of the unknown in order to grow and to be stretched. I can easily see myself in the little boy… wanting God to just catch me and to rid my life of the hard stuff and the trials. But like this dad, God is very loving to say to me “Jump. I am still here with you, Stacey, and I will see you through this.” It may feel like God isn’t actually there for me in the midst of my struggle, that He has deserted me and left me to struggle alone, but I know deep within my heart that’s not true. He is ALWAYS there beside me, never leaving my side for even a second, cheering me on as I take that scary leap of faith saying, “My child, well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21)
For me right now that leap of faith is this next chapter of life I’m about to begin. Going back to graduate school, moving over the mountain, getting to know new people, and getting back into the routine of studying. There are a lot of unknowns that I am doing my best to trust God with. I wish more than anything that before I jump I could know I’ll find the right place to live, I’ll do very well in school, I’ll have good community there and not feel alone, and ultimately that I’ll be a graduate a year from now with a full-time teaching contract in my hands. Unfortunately, I can’t know for sure that all of that will happen as I stand at the edge of that diving board and look down. I can however trust that God has called me to this next chapter, and in doing so believe He will provide for me and never leave my side as I jump. There is great comfort in those two beautiful promises!
What are the circumstances in your life right now that feel overwhelming and scary? Is there something the Holy Spirit is calling you to do but you’re stalling out in fear? How might the truth of God’s promise to “never leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6) bring courage and some security to you as you take that leap of faith or wade through a season of rough waters?
In Him,
Stacey