Jumping In

The sky was blue, but the water was cold. Clinging to the final days of summer before the autumn breeze whispered to the leaves it was time to change color, I stared out at the lake wanting to join the others who were swimming and diving away. I dipped my toes in hoping that would do the trick, but the rest of my body cried out to stay where I was . I tried to walk in one step at a time, but the progression of chill sent me scampering back to shore. Eventually, I knew there was only one way to get in and that was to walk to the edge of the dock and jump. It was excruciating and I gasped, but I was finally in the water and able to join the others.

That’s what it’s like when we have to face fear. Fear wears many costumes, but its effect is singular and universal. It causes us to stand on the shore shaking, paralyzed and unable to join the others who are living happy, joyous, and free lives. Watching them can lead us to the edge. Wanting what they have can cause us to dip our toes in the cold or take a step or two, but fear will often pull us back to the shore where we can stay dry. 

We may be dry, but we’re alone.  As difficult as it is to walk to the end of the dock, as convincing as fear’s arguments may be, it’s best to just jump. Yes, it’s shocking and can cause us to gasp, but once we are in the water, we can join the others and live the lives God intends.