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Several years ago our family spent a week in beautiful Melbourne Beach, FL. One morning as I was walking along the beach, I met a woman walking a large rottweiler. Though big and fearsome, this poor animal was obviously terrified of the water. She would not go near the ocean no matter how much her owner encouraged, cajoled, or bribed her.
I was reminded of the summer we took our boys Dan, then age 7, and Jonny age 3, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Dan loved the ocean and took to the water like a dolphin. Jonny, however, took one look at the ocean and exclaimed vehemently, "NO BIG WATER!" No matter how much his dad and I reassured him that we would be right there to hold him and keep him from harm, he wanted no part of the "big water."
As I continued my walk, I reflected on how my faith has often been like the dog and Jonny. Certainly there have been times when I have enjoyed the excitement of life's waves coming at me, lifting me, dunking me. But, there have also been times when I took one look and exclaimed, "No big water!" I allow fears and insecurities to overwhelm me, keeping me from enjoying all life has to offer. Even though my heavenly Father encourages me and tells me He is right there to hold and protect me, my faith waivers.
Now that Jonny (a six foot plus 17-year old who now goes by Jon) is older, the ocean no longer holds such terror for him. He usually stays in the water longer than any of us. I can only hope that as I have grown and matured, so has my faith, that the times of "no big water" are fewer, and the times of trusting God are increasing.
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