Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Swim in Freedom

I watch as The Thinker and his cousins hurl themselves off the diving board.  Over and over, they run and fly through the air -- their bodies contorted in various shapes before they splash into the warm lake water.  Their faces bob up with smiles as they blink to clear their eyes so they can do it again.

I am impressed by their bravery.

And I watch The Stinker as he watches.  In life-vest, he stands and smiles at the others, but he never jumps.  Ever.  And in him I see myself. 

I have been on that dock many times.  Like him, I'd swim out in my vest, paddling furiously to keep up with everyone older than I.  I'd reach the ladder, climb up carefully and watch as cousins or my sister's friends would swim with the fish.  They'd dive or go beneath the dock, coming up to tell tall tales of what was below. 

I would sit and wach safely in the center of the dock, so that not even a toe could get a nibble from what might be lurking in the water.  And I'd get up the courage to go back to shore.  Then came time for my only jump -- not off the diving board, mind you.  It was in the wrong direction.  But from the side, I'd fling myself as far away from the dock and as close to the shore as I could, then swim scared until my feet touched sand. 

I know the fear that keeps one from living.  I know what it means to miss opportunities because of dreaded imaginings.  I know what it is to not be able to sleep because of anxiety.  I know what it means to swim in apprehension. 

I know my Stinker . . .  he who is afraid of the dark and scares easily at movies and books.   And so I pray for him to to dive out of his comfort and swim in freedom.



And so discover that the greatest fear lives in the mind, not in the water.

"So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand . . . For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you.  Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:10, 13




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20 comments:

Denise said...

This was such a fantastic post dear.

Amanda said...

This is beautifully written. I always panick about diving off docks etc... and wouldn't let my children do it. I still panick, and my son is 20, daughter is 17. I hope my fear hasn't held them back from the freedom you described in this post. There choices are not the best these days, but I have had to let them go.

One of my very favourite scriptures too.

Happy WFW!

Karen and Gerard said...

I never would dive off the dock either, but probably wouldn't even have gone out on the dock at all. I am strictly a land creature.

Carrie said...

You are such a talented writer, GG!

Thanks for sharing from your heart! I hope you have a great day!

Wanda said...

This hit the right spot for me today and it's beautifully written GG. As a play safe kind of girl, I can really relate. The Stinker is so blessed to have a mother that encourages him to launch out beyond his fears.

Cranberry Morning said...

Great post! Fear...the opposite of trust...keeps us from the Joy in life. We miss so much when we let it control us.

Ozjane said...

Blessings as you encourage little stinker......read little darling when asleep.

Traci Michele said...

Beautiful post!

Susannah said...

Amen! Love the sentiment of this verse. Fear is our enemy, trust our ally.

I read a quote on FB today that relates to your post: "Faith gives us permission not to fear."

Blessings on your day! ღ

Missie said...

strength and help, I so need that! Praise be we have a God who cares!

Amydeanne said...

great post! happy WFW!

MamaMonki said...

Beautiful post.

Janis Van Keuren said...

Great picture and Scripture. I hear a tune in my head playing that Scripture as a song.

Beautiful.

Blessings,
Janis

rachelw said...

I can really relate to this post. I've always been the one that's too scared to dive right in, and I wonder how much I've missed out on because I was too fearful to try things.
I see the same traits in my son, and my prayer for him is similiar to yours for your son.

Karen said...

This was so awesome...I can relate to some of those fears...

Maggie S said...

Thanks. I needed that. Apparently, twice, today.

Jennie Allen said...

"I know the fear that keeps one from living" too. I love this!

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing how we recognize our children's fears and help them whether through words, a helping hand or pryaer - help them to conquer that fear - all because we know what it is like! I always tell my sons in a very dramatic voice, "To Slay that Monster Feeeeaaaarrrrr." However, there is NOTHING more heart-clinching than when we see them conquer! I love your post! It explains it so perfectly!!!

Sena Fontane @Flirting with 30 said...

What a gorgeous post!! I love the way you write.

Sena Fontane @Flirting with 30 said...

What a gorgeous post!! I love the way you write.

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