Summer is in full swing! As I write this I am sitting by the pool. We spend every summer Sunday afternoon here, relax after church and usually grill our dinner. I also call this "Daddy's turn to play with the kids". I often don't even get in the water, but doze in a chair listening to the joy that surrounds me. It's just a cheery place to be.
Water has been on the mind this week. We spent a day in Baltimore harbor touring tall ships and naval vessels. We spent an afternoon with a friend at the pool playing goofy games like monkey in the middle. And today is family day. So, of course I was not surprised that one of the bible texts for the lectionary this week dealt with water. God has a great sense of humor.
There was not much joy in this water story though. There was a storm and the disciples were scared."Why are you so afraid?", Jesus asked them.
That reminded me of a scene from the pool this week. A little girl about 4 years old was by the side, and her father was in the pool encouraging her to jump in. "Don't be afraid, I will catch you" he kept telling her. She would take a deep breath, run up to the edge...and come to a complete stop. She did this a few times. One time she came up, peered over the edge and dipped her toe in.
"Don't be afraid. I'll catch you".
And isn't that just the same message Jesus wanted his disciples to understand? Jesus always has his arms out, ready to catch us whether we are caught in a storm or afraid at the waters edge.
This picture is of a different 4-year old girl. She is obviously not afraid to jump right into that pool. Full speed ahead and no looking back. Oh that we were all able to embrace that spirit ! And how thankful that with Jesus in our hearts, we can.
Oh and that little girl at the pool? She did eventually jump in. And her dad caught her. Just like he said he would.
